ESDLab’s Principal Investigator discussed how reading shapes the brain and promotes cognitive, social, and lifelong health benefits in a talk for parents and guardians of primary and secondary school students.
Dr. Luis-Sebastián Contreras-Huerta recently delivered the talk “The World of Reading Through the Lens of Neuroscience” at St. Margaret’s School in Concón, where he shared current insights from cognitive neuroscience on how reading is implemented in the brain and its impact on human development.
Addressed to parents and guardians of primary and secondary school students, the presentation explored the neural mechanisms that support reading and highlighted how this complex ability contributes not only to learning and academic achievement, but also to the development of creativity and empathy. Dr. Contreras-Huerta discussed how reading enables individuals to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences, strengthening both cognitive and socio-emotional skills.
The talk also examined the benefits of reading across the lifespan. Drawing on evidence from neuroscience, Dr. Contreras-Huerta explained how regular reading habits can support healthy cognitive aging and help protect against cognitive decline later in life. In addition, he addressed the challenges posed by social media and digital environments, reflecting on their potential impact on attention and reading habits, and sharing practical strategies for fostering sustained engagement with books and long-form reading.
This activity is part of ESDLab’s ongoing commitment to engaging with the broader community and promoting evidence-based practices that support cognitive development, well-being, and lifelong learning.
