When a cosmic ray strikes a memory chip it can cause a bit flip or memory error can the same event effect electrical activity in the brain?
In: Biology
Microwaves, cosmic rays, radio waves, light – all these are electromagnetic waves. They interact with metals by creating electricity and magnetism in them (this is how a radio antenna can “pick up” a signal – the signal (radio wave) creates corresponding electricity in the antenna metal).
EM waves cause memory or electronics errors because they cause uncontrolled electricity in the (metal wires in the) circuits. Your brain doesn’t have metal wires inside, so it’s not affected. But, like the others have said, strong enough radiation (gamma rays, cosmic rays) can damage your cells, including your brain cells, and cause cancers or radiation sickness.
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