Lesson from neurons: don't experience tomorrow what you can experience today

[xchrom]

http://www.elpais.com/articulo/sociedad/Lesson/from/neurons/don/t/experience/tomorrow/what/you/can/experience/today/elpepusoc/20110803elpepusoc_7/Tes

Understanding neuronal mechanisms underlying brain function and development represents a central challenge in neuroscience research field. Experience occurring in the first years of life are crucial for a correct and psychological growth of the brain, and the impact of early physical and social interactions in childhood has been proposed to influence brain development and adult behavior, that is "Don't leave for tomorrow what you can do today".

We are starting to elucidate how brain functions can be shaped by specific stimuli, studying how this important and complex organ works.

We know that the brain is built up out of circuits composed of cells called neurons. Each neuron can project long branches to many other neurons, where it forms contacts at specialised areas called synapses. At these sites, neurons 'speak' to each other by transmitting electrical signals. It is estimated that there are billions of neurons in the human brain and trillions of such contacts. Countless electrical signals are moving around the brain at any given time, and from these intricate signals the amazing ability of the brain to perform complex functions emerges.

It has been shown that the electrical activity of neurons and their connectivity can be shaped by interactions with the world around us?our external environment. Indeed, our brain is highly plastic and is able to modify the number of neurons, the organisation of their networks and their function upon specific stimulation.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. The Electric Brain.... woo. n/t

[DetlefK]

2. Neuronal Networks can be very interesting.

For example:
You only need a synapse made of 6 neurons to answer the question, whether a point is inside or outside of a triangle.