A spine to remember
Article Abstract:
Engert and Bonhoeffer have provided evidence that nerve cells may form new structural and functional connections when they receive an intense stream of impulses. Organotypic preparations were used to provide a culture of the hippocampus, and long-term potentiation (LTP) was seen in most experiments. New spines were observed to emerge around 30 minutes after LTP was induced, but the appearance of new spines was prevented with the addition of AP5 (D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate). Maletic-Savatic and colleagues reported similar results using younger organotypic cultures and a high-frequency stimulation mode.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Rain Main's revelations
Article Abstract:
Snyder and Mitchell have provided insights into a seemingly unusual ability. Savants are thought to circumvent conscious executive brain function and the skill appears to occur mainly in young savants. Snyder and Mitchell have identified a central mental operation performed by savants, the capacity to partition brain activity precisely in space and time. Snyder and Mitchell believe that savants have access to the rapid and early low-level processing, but insist that we all may possess similar talents, but do not or cannot use them.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
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