What distinguishes good explanations in neuroscience from bad? Carl F. Craver constructs and defends standards for evaluating neuroscientific explanations that are grounded in a systematic view of what neuroscientific explanations are: descriptions of multilevel mechanisms. In developing this approach, he draws on a wide range of examples in the history of neuroscience (e.g. Hodgkin and Huxleys model of the action potential and LTP as a putative explanation for different kinds of memory), as well as recent philosophical work on the nature of scientific explanation. Readers in neuroscience, psychology, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of science will find much to provoke and stimulate them in this book.
The Parental Brain: Mechanisms, Development, and Evolution explores the neural circuits and development of the parental brain, and the view that these circuits formed a template for the evolution of other types of prosocial bonds. The book is unique in its multilevel approach and integration of animal and human research.
The outcome of ten years' work, this book is a carefully planned study of brain dominance, aphasia, and other speech disturbances, and includes a discussion of the cerebral mechanisms of speech and the learning and teaching of language. Originally published in 1959. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.
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."
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.
This second edition of 'Seizures and Epilepsy' is completely revised, due to tremendous advances in the understanding of the fundamental neuronal mechanisms underlying epileptic phenomena, as well as current diagnosis and treatment, which have been heavily influenced over the past several decades by seminal neuroscientific developments, particularly the introduction of molecular neurobiology, genetics, and modern neuroimaging. This resource covers a broad range of both basic and clinical epileptology.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a remarkable therapy for an expanding range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. In many cases it is better than best medical therapy and succeeds even when brain transplants fail. Yet despite the remarkable benefits, many physicians and healthcare professionals seem hesitant to embrace this therapy. Post-operative programming of the DBS systems seems unfamiliar, even mysterious, and is viewed as difficult and time consuming. However, DBS programming is rational and can be efficient and effective if one understands the basing underlying concepts of electronics, electrophysiology, and the relevant regional anatomy. Even these principles can be relatively easy to grasp. The book helps the reader to obtain an intuitive understanding of the basic principles of electronics, electrophysiology and the relevant regional anatomy through the use of readily understood metaphors and numerous illustrations. In addition a number of tools are provided including algorithms to ensure efficient and thorough programming. Forms are provided to help with documentation. In addition, DBS related research provides a remarkable tool to understand how the brain works and what happens in diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Already long cherished theories of the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease must be abandoned. Indeed, these DBS derived insights suggest fundamental revisions of theories of brain function are in order. The book provides an introduction to where some of the new theories may lead particularly with the growing awareness of the importance of oscillations in the brain's activities. The brain has more in common with electrical devices, such as computers, than it does to a stew of chemicals. DBS operates at the electrical level in the brain, which is fundamental to how the brain creates, manipulates and conveys information and may indeed be fundamental to the misinformation the results in the dysfunction related to disorders of the brain. For downloadable forms and other relevant material, please visit: http://www.uab.edu/DBS_PrinciplesAndPractice
Neural Mechanisms of Addiction is the only book available that synthesizes the latest research in the field into a single, accessible resource covering all aspects of how addiction develops and persists in the brain. The book summarizes our most recent understanding on the neural mechanisms underlying addiction. It also examines numerous biobehavioral aspects of addiction disorders, such as reinforcement learning, reward, cognitive dysfunction, stress, and sleep and circadian rhythms that are not covered in any other publication. Readers with find the most up-to-date information on which to build a foundation for their future research in this expanding field. Combining chapters from leading researchers and thought leaders, this book is an indispensable guide for students and investigators engaged in addiction research. Transcends multiple neural, neurochemical and behavioral domains Summarizes advances in the field of addiction research since the advent of optogenetics Discusses the most current, leading theories of addiction, including molecular mechanisms and dopamine mechanisms
