What Can Brain Research Tell Us About How We Learn? Mary Ball Fall 2007

Early Brain Studies Studies of People After Brain Surgery or Brain Injuries (e.g. Henry M.) Studies of People After Brain Surgery or Brain Injuries (e.g. Henry M.) Post-Mortem Examination of Brains and Brain Tissue (e.g. Alzheimer’s Disease) Post-Mortem Examination of Brains and Brain Tissue (e.g. Alzheimer’s Disease)

Basic Brain Structure Composed of Neurons and supporting cells Composed of Neurons and supporting cells Myelinated axons appear white (hence called White Matter) Myelinated axons appear white (hence called White Matter) Unmyelinated tissue appears grey (hence called Grey Matter) Unmyelinated tissue appears grey (hence called Grey Matter) Neurons form “circuits” via Dendrites and Axons Neurons form “circuits” via Dendrites and Axons

Basic Neuron Structure Source: NIH Publication No d Source: NIH Publication No d

The Visible Human Project In 1994 and 1995, two cadavers were frozen in gelatin. In 1994 and 1995, two cadavers were frozen in gelatin. Starting at the head end, the block of frozen material was slowly ground down smooth and photos of the surface were repeatedly taken. Starting at the head end, the block of frozen material was slowly ground down smooth and photos of the surface were repeatedly taken. Photos were taken every mm for the male and every 1/3 mm for the female. Photos were taken every mm for the male and every 1/3 mm for the female.

Whisker Removal in Mice Leads to “Dendritic Spine Sprouting” (2002)

In 1962, researchers reported evidence of limited neurogenesis in rats following brain damage.

In 1998, researchers reported neurogenesis in the adult human hippocampus. Immunofluorescence for neurons (a), new cells (b), and glial cells (c) indicated the new cells were neurons! Immunofluorescence for neurons (a), new cells (b), and glial cells (c) indicated the new cells were neurons!

Tool How It Works PET Scan PET Scan Detects active regions of the brain by tracing radioactive isotopes. fMRI Scan fMRI Scan Detects active regions of the brain by visualizing where oxygen is being used. qEEG qEEG Detects active regions in the brain by electrical activity (brain waves). MRI Scan MRI Scan Distinguishes gray matter, white matter, and ventricles. Voxel-based Morphometry Voxel-based Morphometry Statistical procedure to measure average volume of a specific region of the brain.

Brain Structures Differ between Musicians and Non-Musicians (2003)

Gray matter increased in students learning to juggle. (2004)

Summary of What the Researchers Already Knew The human hippocampi are important in long- term memory. The human hippocampi are important in long- term memory. Neurogenesis is possible in the hippocampi in adults. Neurogenesis is possible in the hippocampi in adults. Dentritic growth and spine sprouting have been directly observed in mice adjusting to change. Dentritic growth and spine sprouting have been directly observed in mice adjusting to change. Voxel-Based Morphometry can be used to detect changes in gray matter volume over time and/or between groups. Voxel-Based Morphometry can be used to detect changes in gray matter volume over time and/or between groups. Learning to juggle resulted in transient increases in gray matter in a sample of young adults. Learning to juggle resulted in transient increases in gray matter in a sample of young adults.