UNIT 9: Human Biology

Textbook Article

Brain Science — We Are Wired to Learn!

Updated June 7, 2010 — Your brain has more than 100 billion cells, called neurons. Together, the neurons in your brain are so powerful that they can process more information than the most powerful existing computer can in the same amount of time. Your brain can accomplish so much because you’ve spent years— every second of your life—learning from and interpreting the world around you.

January 26, 2009Novel Brain Region for Mammalian Neurogenesis

Adult neurogenesis is a mysterious phenomenon. Previously, scientists thought that adult neurogenesis, or the birth of new neurons, occurred most often in lower vertebrates such as frogs or fish. In mammals such as mice and rats, adult neurogenesis was thought...

January 4, 2008Molecular Manager of Memory Pathway Construction

Researchers at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine have identified the protein that acts as the foreman in the construction and support of neurons. Kalirin-7 and its construction projects are what allow us to remember and learn. Kalirin-7 is found...

October 4, 2007Adult Brains Can Rewire after a Stroke

A child’s brain has an amazing ability to adapt and change to new experiences — it is very plastic. A case study of a stroke patient adds to evidence proving that adult brains are capable of creating new neural pathways too.

October 4, 2007Intelligence Is in the Network

When it comes to intelligence, it is all about the connections.