Neural Dust: Tiny Wireless Sensors That Monitor Brain and Body

As children, time seemed to stretch forever — summers felt endless and a single school year was a lifetime. But now, as adults, months slip by in the blink of an eye. Why does this happen? Science has a few fascinating answers.
When you’re five years old, one year is 20% of your entire life. But at 50, that same year is just 2%. This shrinking ratio makes time feel shorter as we age — it’s a psychological illusion based on proportion.
The brain pays more attention to new experiences, forming vivid memories. Childhood is packed with firsts — first bike ride, first day of school — while adult life is more routine. The fewer memorable moments we have, the more compressed time feels in hindsight.
Daily repetition — like the same commute or office work — causes our brain to store fewer unique memories. When looking back, long stretches of repetitive days can feel like they flew by because not much stands out.
As we age, changes in brain chemistry and slower neuronal processing may also play a role. Less dopamine and reduced sensory input can alter how we perceive the passing of time.
In short: Time isn't moving faster — your brain is processing it differently. The key to slowing it down? Keep learning, explore new things, and live mindfully.
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