# How the Brain Learns to Truly Multitask New research reveals the brain's ability to automate skills and perform multitasking. - **Source:** [Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily](https://brifing.si/source/0eef8637-6c5b-4e79-8f5b-6c9c6b36cf16) - **Published:** 2026-07-12 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f641ac15-16ee-4e5a-b5f9-724ab5402665 ## The Brain's Multitasking Ability Researchers at Georgetown University discovered that the brain physically reorganizes itself as a skill is learned. This finding challenges the idea that humans cannot truly multitask, showing that with enough experience, the brain can perform certain activities simultaneously. ## Brain Scans and Neural Circuits Researchers examined participants' brains using fMRI and EEG scans. Early in learning, tasks activated the prefrontal cortex, but after practice, this activity shifted to the temporal cortex, indicating an increase in the brain's multitasking capacity. ## The Role of the Temporal Cortex The study revealed that the temporal cortex automates learned skills, freeing the prefrontal cortex to focus on new tasks. This enables the brain to truly multitask. ## Habits and Brain Circuits The research shows that well-learned behaviors move into brain circuits outside conscious control, explaining why breaking unwanted habits can be challenging. ## Implications for Artificial Intelligence The findings shed light on the human learning process for AI systems. While current AI struggles to learn new skills without disrupting prior knowledge, the human brain maintains this flexibility. ## Future Research The team plans to investigate how learning transfers from one brain region to another and which tasks can be performed in parallel. This could further enhance multitasking capabilities. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260712011912.htm — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._