Final answer:
The most accurate recent information indicates that the adult human brain uses approximately 20 percent of the body's total energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether there is a reliable recent study estimating the percentage of energy consumed by the brain. Despite the older references provided such as Mink et al. in 1981 and Kety in 1957, the most accurate and relevant information suggests that the adult human brain represents about 2 percent of the body's weight but consumes approximately 20 percent of the body's total energy. This statistic takes into account the high number of neurons, each with thousands of synaptic connections, and the predominance of glucose as a source of energy for brain function.
Furthermore, modern techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have revealed that tasks involving significant cognitive processing can result in increased energy consumption across various regions of the brain. However, if the inquiry is seeking the most recent and singular study for this specific data, the question might not have a satisfactory answer as data on energy use by the brain is typically compiled from numerous sources over time.