By David Eagleman
Couples Party! Meet at 7:00
Neuroscientist David Eagleman…delivers an intellectually exhilarating look at neuroplasticity. In his view, the brain’s ability to reconfigure connections between its different areas in response to feedback is ‘quite possibly the most gorgeous phenomenon in biology,’ and also holds exciting practical applications. Eagleman explains how the brain’s ‘maps’ of the body are not genetically precoded, but arrive ‘remarkably unfinished’ at birth and are then molded by experience, and walks readers through the concept of coritical redeployment, in which the function of different brain areas is reallocated according to need—for instance, in blind people, the visual cortex doesn’t go unused, but is adapted for other purposes.
Optimistically proposing that humanity can use neuroplasticity to its advantage, Eagleman describes the therapeutic field devoted to substituting one sense for another, and the potential for augmentation of existing senses (as has occurred with some cornea transplantees who found themselves suddenly able to see ultraviolet light).
Finally, Eagleman addresses the implications for future tech innovations, observing the AI systems, despite their now “mind-blowingly impressive’ state, lack the brain’s essential plasticity. Eagleman’s skill as teacher, bold vision, and command of current research will make this superb work a curious reader’s delight.
—Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)
Paula asked that the following reference material be posted on our website:
• A TED talk with David Eagleman
• A New Yorker article about Eagleman and his work
• A BBC program featuring Eagleman’s work
• Another TED talk, this time on the topic of “The Best Thing to do for Your Brain”