The Developing Brain
During fetal development, the foundations of the mind are laid as billions of neurons form appropriate connections and patterns. Neural activity and stimulation are crucial in completing this process
Features
The Visual Image in Mind and Brain
In analyzing the distinct attributes of images, the brain invents a visual world. Unusual forms of blindness show what happens when specialized parts of the cortex malfunction
The Biological Basis of Learning and Individuality
Recent discoveries suggest that learning engages a simple set of rules that modify the strength of connections between neurons in the brain. These changes play an important role in making each individual unique
Brain and Language
A large set of neural structures serves to represent concepts; a smaller set forms words and sentences. Between the two lies a crudal layer of mediation
Working Memory and the Mind
Anatomic and physiological studies of monkeys are locating the neural machinery involved in forming and updating internal representations of the outside world. Such representations form a cornerstone of the rational mind
Sex Differences in the Brain
Cognitive variations between the sexes reflect differing hormonal influences on brain development. Understanding these differences and their causes can yield insights into brain organization
Major Disorders of Mind and Brain
Schizophrenia and manic-depressive illness are shaped by heredity and marked by structural and biochemical changes In the brain. The predisposing genes remain unknown
Aging Brain, Aging Mind
Late in life the human brain suffers attrition of certain neurons and undergoes chemical alterations. Yet for many people, these changes do not add up to a noticeable decline in intelligence
How Neural Networks Learn from Experience
Networks of artificial neurons can learn to represent complicated information. Such neural networks may prOvide inSights into the learning abilities of the human brain
The Problem of Consciousness
It can now be approached by scientific investigation of the visual system. The solution will require a close collaboration among psychologists, neuroscientists and theorists
Departments
- Letters
Letters to the Editors, September 1992
- Recommended
Book Reviews: September 1992
- 50, 100 & 150 Years Ago
50 and 100 Years Ago
- Profile
The Frustrations of a Quark Hunter
- Amateur Scientist
Neurons for Computers
- Science and the Citizen
Gravity Quantized?
It Came from Within
Noisy Nucleotides
Hot Ants
Bug in a Gilded Cage
Making Water Run Uphill
Bent Light
Population Pressure
Photovores
- Departments
Economic Growth Factors
Essay: Trouble in Mind
- Technology and Business
Hot Potato
Major Developers of Genetically Engineered Foods
The Hole Story
Silver Lining
Underground Allies
Defensive Driving
See-Through View