2. The Brain’s ‘Dark Energy’
Neuroscientists have discovered that the brain expends a surprising amount of energy, even when we appear to be doing nothing at all. This persistent background activity is often called the brain’s “dark energy”—a term borrowed from physics to describe the mysterious, unseen force at play. Just as dark matter shapes galaxies, this neural activity shapes our thoughts, memories, and sense of self. Although its full purpose remains unclear, researchers believe it is vital for maintaining our internal mental landscape and preparing us for conscious thought.