Why you can’t multitask (and why that’s a good thing)

<p>Humans' ability to turn thoughts into actions has enabled us to change the world. But we've never been great at getting two things done at once.</p><p><br></p><p>Understanding how our brain helps us achieve our goals through something called executive function, or cognitive control, can explain why we're so bad at multitasking.</p><p><br></p><p>According to neuroscientist Prof David Badre, when we're armed with this knowledge we can begin to work together to become a better society. Badre's new book, <em>On Task&nbsp;</em>(<a href="https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691175553/on-task" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">£25, Princeton University Press</a>) explains the mechanisms behind cognitive control.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of the&nbsp;<em>Science Focus Podcast&nbsp;</em>we speak to Badre to find out more about how our brains work.</p><p><br></p><p>Let us know what you think of the episode with a review or a comment wherever you listen to your podcasts.</p><ul><li><strong>Subscribe</strong>&nbsp;to the&nbsp;<em>Science Focus Podcast</em>&nbsp;on these services:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acast.com/science-focus-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Acast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/science-focus-podcast/id1296673906?mt=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iTunes</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/immediate-media-2/science-focus-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://rss.acast.com/science-focus-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RSS</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://overcast.fm/itunes1296673906/science-focus-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Overcast</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/neuroscientist-david-badre-reveals-why-were-so-bad-at-multitasking/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read the full transcription of this episode</a> [this will open in a new window]</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Listen to