Sex can make us smarter, according to a new study that finds it stimulates the growth of brain cells. Psychologists from the University of Maryland, USA, discovered that sexual experience can increase the number of newly formed neurons in the hippocampus, the area of ​​the brain where long-term memories are stored. The tests were carried out in laboratory conditions. Scientists allow sexual behavior for half an hour a day in animal individuals. They observe and record them. They studied those who were middle-aged and found that sexual experience reduced the impairments in brain function that are associated with advancing age. Scientists conclude that repeated sexual experience can stimulate neurogenesis and restore cognitive function. However, when sexual activity ceases, the improvements achieved are lost. NEWS_MORE_BOX The team concluded that sex successfully counteracts the negative effects of stress on brain development. They argue that stress is one of the biggest suppressors of neurogenesis, but sex helps restore this function. However, watching pornography has the exact opposite effect – it damages the brain and, in particular, its multi-functional abilities. And while sex itself can make us smarter, smarter people don’t necessarily practice it more often. Data from the current study were published in The Atlantic.