Memory Makes The Brain: The Biological Machinery That Uses Experiences To Shape Individual Brains

The development of the young brain after birth and the emergence of cognitive capacities, mind, and individuality rest on the maturation of a dense net of synaptic connections between neurons. Memory Makes the Brain describes the dramatic, competitive elimination of surplus synapses that occur in the young, maturing brain, a process called synaptic pruning, discovered by pediatric neurologist Peter Huttenlocher in the 1970s. Neurobiologist Christian Hansel offers a unique perspective on brain adaptation and plasticity throughout lifetime, explaining how both maturation and adult synaptic plasticity are deregulated in brain developmental disorders such as autism.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 192 pages
\n Publication date: 05 March 2021
\n Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd
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The intricate web of synaptic connections between neurons plays a pivotal role in shaping the development of the young brain after birth and the emergence of cognitive capacities, mind, and individuality. In his groundbreaking book, Memory Makes the Brain, neurobiologist Christian Hansel delves into the fascinating process of synaptic pruning, which occurs during the early years of brain maturation. This dynamic process involves the selective elimination of surplus synapses, allowing the brain to refine and optimize its neural networks.

Discoveries made by pediatric neurologist Peter Huttenlocher in the 1970s at the University of Chicago shed light on this remarkable phenomenon. Hansel explains that synaptic pruning is a crucial component of brain development, helping to establish the connections necessary for complex cognitive functions. He further explores the similarities between developmental pruning and learning processes in the adult brain, highlighting the brain's remarkable adaptability and plasticity throughout life.

However, the process of synaptic pruning is not without its challenges. Brain developmental disorders such as autism have been linked to disruptions in the cellular plasticity machinery that enables learning. Memory Makes the Brain provides a comprehensive exploration of how both maturation and adult synaptic plasticity are deregulated in autism, shedding light on the underlying causes of autism-typical behavioral abnormalities.

Hansel's book offers a unique perspective on brain adaptation and plasticity throughout lifetime, interweaving personal accounts and memories to illustrate his points. He shares anecdotes from his own research and clinical experiences, providing a relatable and insightful journey into the complexities of the human brain. Through his work, Hansel challenges traditional beliefs about brain development and sheds light on the potential for interventions and therapies to improve the lives of individuals with autism and other brain developmental disorders.

In conclusion, Memory Makes the Brain is a groundbreaking work that delves into the intricate relationship between synaptic connections, brain development, and cognitive abilities. By exploring the process of synaptic pruning and its implications for brain disorders such as autism, neurobiologist Christian Hansel provides valuable insights into the nature of the human brain and its remarkable capacity for adaptation and change. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in neuroscience, psychology, or the development of the human mind.

\n Weight: 432g\n
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9789811228803\n \n