Discovering the Brain

Discovering the Brain
Author: National Academy of Sciences
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 195
Release: 1992-01-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309045290

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."

Molecular Mechanisms of Hormone Actions on Behavior

Molecular Mechanisms of Hormone Actions on Behavior
Author: Anne M. Etgen
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 1100
Release: 2010-03-16
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0080958583

A single volume of 31 articles, Mechanisms of Hormone Actions on Behavior is an authoritative selection of relevant chapters from the Hormones Brain and Behavior 2e MRW, the most comprehensive source of neuroendocrinological information assembled to date (AP June 2009). The study of hormones as they impact the brain and, subsequently, behavior is a central topic in neuroscience, endocrinology and psychiatry. This volume offers an overview of neuroendocrinological topics, approaching the subject from the perspective of the mechanisms which control hormone actions on behavior. Female, male and stress hormones are discussed at the cellular, behavioral and developmental level, and sexual differentiation of the development of hormone-dependent neuronal systems, neuropeptides/neuromodulators, and steroid-inducedneuroplasticity are addressed. There is simply no other current single-volume reference with such comprehensive coverage and depth.Authors selected are the internationally renowned experts for the particular topics on which they write, and the volume is richly illustrated with over 175 figures (over 50 in color). A collection of articles reviewing our fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms of neuroendocrinology, the book provides an essential, affordable reference for researchers, clinicians and graduate students in the area. - The most comprehensive single-volume source of up-to-date data on the mechanisms behind neuroendocrinology, with review articles covering x,y z - Chapters synthesize information otherwise dispersed across a number of journal articles and book chapters, thus saving researchers the time consuming process of finding and integrating this information themselves - Offering outstanding scholarship, each chapter is written by an expert in the topic area and approximately 35% of chapters are written by international contributors - Provides more fully vetted expert knowledge than any existing work with broad appeal for the US, UK and Europe, accurately crediting the contributions to research in those regions - Heavily illustrated with 175 figures, approximately 54 in color - Presents material in most visually useful form for the reader

From Neurons to Neighborhoods

From Neurons to Neighborhoods
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 610
Release: 2000-11-13
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0309069882

How we raise young children is one of today's most highly personalized and sharply politicized issues, in part because each of us can claim some level of "expertise." The debate has intensified as discoveries about our development-in the womb and in the first months and years-have reached the popular media. How can we use our burgeoning knowledge to assure the well-being of all young children, for their own sake as well as for the sake of our nation? Drawing from new findings, this book presents important conclusions about nature-versus-nurture, the impact of being born into a working family, the effect of politics on programs for children, the costs and benefits of intervention, and other issues. The committee issues a series of challenges to decision makers regarding the quality of child care, issues of racial and ethnic diversity, the integration of children's cognitive and emotional development, and more. Authoritative yet accessible, From Neurons to Neighborhoods presents the evidence about "brain wiring" and how kids learn to speak, think, and regulate their behavior. It examines the effect of the climate-family, child care, community-within which the child grows.

Neural Plasticity and Memory

Neural Plasticity and Memory
Author: Federico Bermudez-Rattoni
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 368
Release: 2007-04-17
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1420008412

A comprehensive, multidisciplinary review, Neural Plasticity and Memory: From Genes to Brain Imaging provides an in-depth, up-to-date analysis of the study of the neurobiology of memory. Leading specialists share their scientific experience in the field, covering a wide range of topics where molecular, genetic, behavioral, and brain imaging techniq

Hormone/Behavior Relations of Clinical Importance

Hormone/Behavior Relations of Clinical Importance
Author: Robert H. Rubin
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 355
Release: 2010-03-16
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0080958001

A single volume of 41 articles, Hormone/Behavior Relations of Clinical Importance is an authoritative selection of relevant chapters from the Hormones Brain and Behavior 2e MRW, the most comprehensive source of neuroendocrinological information assembled to date (AP July 2009). The study of hormones as they impact the brain and, subsequently, behavior is a central topic in neuroscience, endocrinology and psychiatry. This volume offers an overview of neuroendocrinological topics, approaching the subject from the perspective of hormone-brain function, hormone-behavior relations, sex differences, and the impact on various diseases/pathologies. Many basic human behavioral functions are subject to the influence of hormones - sexual orientation, the experience of pain, fertility, immunity - as are clinical conditions such as diabetes, substance abuse disorder, eating disorders, PTSD, TBI, pain, Alzheimer's, stress/anxiety, affective disorders, and more. There is considerable commercial clinical potential in the study of hormones - drug companies are currently developing a Cholecystokinin (hormonal peptide) booster to reduce appetite in those who suffer from sever obesity, and catamenial epilepsy (features seizure exacerbation in relation to the menstrual cycle) is resistant to treatment by standard antiepileptic medications, but may be hormonally controlled. These issues and more are covered, and there is simply no other current single-volume reference with such comprehensive coverage and depth.Authors selected are the internationally renowned experts for the particular topics on which they write, and the volume is richly illustrated with over 150 figures (50 in color). A collection of articles reviewing our fundamental knowledge of neuroendocrinology, the book provides an essential, affordable reference for researchers, clinicians and graduate students in the area. - Offering outstanding scholarship, each chapter is written by an expert in the topic area and approximately 25% of chapters are written by international contributors (7 countries represented) - Provides more fully vetted expert knowledge than any existing work with broad appeal for the US, UK and Europe, accurately crediting the contributions to research in those regions - Heavily illustrated with 150 figures, approximately 50 in color, presenting the material in the most visually useful form for the reader - Fully explores various clinical conditions associated with the hormones and the brain (PTSD, TBI, Stress & Anxiety, eating disorders, diabetes, addictive disorders, Alzheimer's, affective disorders) - Broad coverage of disorders makes the volume relevant to clinicians as well as researchers and basic scientists

The Role of Protein and Amino Acids in Sustaining and Enhancing Performance

The Role of Protein and Amino Acids in Sustaining and Enhancing Performance
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 448
Release: 1999-09-15
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0309172810

It is a commonly held belief that athletes, particularly body builders, have greater requirements for dietary protein than sedentary individuals. However, the evidence in support of this contention is controversial. This book is the latest in a series of publications designed to inform both civilian and military scientists and personnel about issues related to nutrition and military service. Among the many other stressors they experience, soldiers face unique nutritional demands during combat. Of particular concern is the role that dietary protein might play in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance. The first part of the book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The remainder of the book contains papers contributed by speakers at the workshop on such topics as, the effects of aging and hormones on regulation of muscle mass and function, alterations in protein metabolism due to the stress of injury or infection, the role of individual amino acids, the components of proteins, as neurotransmitters, hormones, and modulators of various physiological processes, and the efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance.

Hormones and Behaviour

Hormones and Behaviour
Author: Nick Neave
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 11
Release: 2007-12-20
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1139468162

Recent advances in non-invasive sampling techniques have led to an increase in the study of hormones and behaviour. Behaviour is complex but can be explained to a large degree by interactions between various psychological and physiological components, such as the interplay between hormonal and psychological systems. This new textbook from Nick Neave offers a detailed introduction to the fascinating science of behavioural endocrinology from a psychological perspective, examining the relationships between hormones and behaviour in both humans and animals. Neave explains the endocrine system and the ways in which hormones can influence brain structure and function, and presents a series of examples to demonstrate how hormones can influence specific behaviours, including sexual determination and differentiation, neurological differentiation, parental behaviours, aggressive behaviours and cognition. This introductory textbook will appeal to second and third year social science undergraduate students in psychology and biomedicine.

Behavioral Endocrinology

Behavioral Endocrinology
Author: Jill B. Becker
Publisher: MIT Press
Total Pages: 812
Release: 2002
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780262523219

The second edition of a popular introduction to the field of behavioral endocrinology.

The Teenage Brain

The Teenage Brain
Author: Frances E. Jensen
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 270
Release: 2015-01-06
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0062067869

A New York Times Bestseller Renowned neurologist Dr. Frances E. Jensen offers a revolutionary look at the brains of teenagers, dispelling myths and offering practical advice for teens, parents and teachers. Dr. Frances E. Jensen is chair of the department of neurology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. As a mother, teacher, researcher, clinician, and frequent lecturer to parents and teens, she is in a unique position to explain to readers the workings of the teen brain. In The Teenage Brain, Dr. Jensen brings to readers the astonishing findings that previously remained buried in academic journals. The root myth scientists believed for years was that the adolescent brain was essentially an adult one, only with fewer miles on it. Over the last decade, however, the scientific community has learned that the teen years encompass vitally important stages of brain development. Samples of some of the most recent findings include: Teens are better learners than adults because their brain cells more readily "build" memories. But this heightened adaptability can be hijacked by addiction, and the adolescent brain can become addicted more strongly and for a longer duration than the adult brain. Studies show that girls' brains are a full two years more mature than boys' brains in the mid-teens, possibly explaining differences seen in the classroom and in social behavior. Adolescents may not be as resilient to the effects of drugs as we thought. Recent experimental and human studies show that the occasional use of marijuana, for instance, can cause lingering memory problems even days after smoking, and that long-term use of pot impacts later adulthood IQ. Multi-tasking causes divided attention and has been shown to reduce learning ability in the teenage brain. Multi-tasking also has some addictive qualities, which may result in habitual short attention in teenagers. Emotionally stressful situations may impact the adolescent more than it would affect the adult: stress can have permanent effects on mental health and can to lead to higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression. Dr. Jensen gathers what we’ve discovered about adolescent brain function, wiring, and capacity and explains the science in the contexts of everyday learning and multitasking, stress and memory, sleep, addiction, and decision-making. In this groundbreaking yet accessible book, these findings also yield practical suggestions that will help adults and teenagers negotiate the mysterious world of adolescent development.