Understanding the Amazing Brain - Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Functions of the Brain: Daily functions, cognitive processes.
• Program Goals: Observe brain functions at different life stages, understand disruptions in normal brain functions.

The Brain Bank

• Located 12 miles outside of Boston.
• Human brain: 3 lbs, size of a grapefruit, central to identity.
• Recent advancements in imaging, genetics, and molecular biology are unlocking its secrets.

Brain Plasticity and Resilience

• Case Study: Jody Miller
  • Experienced epileptic seizures at age 3.
  • Diagnosed with Rasmussen Syndrome.
  • Underwent hemispherectomy, removal of the right hemisphere.
  • Demonstrates the brain's plasticity: ability to rewire and compensate for loss.

Early Brain Development

• Neural Connections
  • By 5 months, many neurons are developed (100 billion).
  • Neurons make connections, forming networks essential for brain function.
  • Experience shapes brain development and reinforces connections.

Critical Periods in Development

• Case Study: Liz Ortner
  • Deaf due to prenatal infection.
  • Received a cochlear implant at 14 months to stimulate hearing pathways.
  • Demonstrates the importance of early intervention to avoid missing critical development periods.

Adolescent Brain

• Differences in Teen vs. Adult Brains
  • Teens use the amygdala (instinct and emotion).
  • Adults use the frontal cortex (reason and planning).
• Case Study: Michael Carney
  • Child prodigy, different brain activation patterns.
  • Shows adult-like frontal cortex activity for cognitive tasks, teen-like emotional processing.

Brain Disorders

• Schizophrenia
  • Abnormal frontal lobe and hippocampus interaction.
  • Leads to distorted perception and disorganized thoughts.
  • Patients feel disoriented and disintegrated.
• Stroke Recovery
  • Jill Bolte Taylor's stroke in left temporal lobe affected language and perception.
  • Brain's ability to retrain and adapt post-injury highlights plasticity.

Lifelong Brain Health

• Active Brain
  • Mental stimulation and learning create new neural connections.
  • Example: Harry Shapiro, centenarian with active lifestyle.
  • Emphasizes continuous learning for brain health.

Technological Advances

• Cognitive and Physical Assistance
  • Devices like cochlear implants and brain-computer interfaces aid function.
  • Example: Johnny Ray, controls a computer cursor through thought.

Ethical Considerations

• Discussion on the implications of technological integration with the brain.

Conclusion

• New research is expanding our understanding of the brain.
• Brain study is vital for understanding humanity and personal identity.