Judith read and liked Hannah's review of The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (James H. Silberman Books):

"This was a fascinating book discussing the human brain's incredible potential for change -- called plasticity. As I read it, I felt like I was reading about the beginnings of a huge revolution in our understanding of what the brain is capable of and ...more This was a fascinating book discussing the human brain's incredible potential for change -- called plasticity. As I read it, I felt like I was reading about the beginnings of a huge revolution in our understanding of what the brain is capable of and how to cure disorders of the brain.

I felt like I was also able to correct some of my outdated knowledge. For example, the brain does grow new neurons -- you're not born with all you will have for the rest of your life. Also, there are not strict areas of the brain devoted to certain functions. For example, if you become blind, the area of the brain devoted to sight can be utilized for different functions, such as hearing. The brain is like valuable real estate--if it's not used by one function, it will be taken over for use for another purpose: the use it or lose it principle.

It was also interesting to learn about some of the new techniques that have been developed based on brain plasticity, such as what is being done to help the blind, stroke patients, the elderly, children with mental impairments, and others. (less) "

Judith read and liked Cheryl's review of The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (James H. Silberman Books):

"This will tickle your mind. This discusses some studies plus real life experiences where the brain has reprogrammed itself. The book promotes and defends the concept of plasticity in the brain.

A couple of highlights:
* If you...more This will tickle your mind. This discusses some studies plus real life experiences where the brain has reprogrammed itself. The book promotes and defends the concept of plasticity in the brain.

A couple of highlights:
* If you became blind, the brain would find another use for all of those neurons in the occiptal lobe.
* Neurons that fire together, wire together. If you taped 2 fingers together, they would begin to fire together, making it difficult to tell them apart or to send different signals.
* There is a water culture people who have learned to change their lens to deal with distortion when diving under water.

There are a lot of tidbits here. Interesting reading.(less) "

Judith read and liked Clara's review of The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (James H. Silberman Books):

"I was wonderfully surprised by this excellent book, which I devoured last weekend when Attila was in Boston. I'd never heard of Dr. Doidge, and I'm endlessly skeptical of, as well as extremely interested in, (intended to be) plebeian accounts of bra...more I was wonderfully surprised by this excellent book, which I devoured last weekend when Attila was in Boston. I'd never heard of Dr. Doidge, and I'm endlessly skeptical of, as well as extremely interested in, (intended to be) plebeian accounts of brains. The brain that changes... is profoundly insightful, brilliantly integrating anecdote with historical and contemporary accounts of systems neuroscience research. Highlights include celebrating Dr. Edward Taub's life's work and exploring personal motives of Dr. Jordan Grafman and others. The book doesn't fall into the common trap of the super-edited bookend intro and conclusion; and the appendices pique my interest in reading more from Doidge.(less) "