Neuroplasticity, evidence from rats and monks

The green box contains a brand new rat neuron. Why is this important? Well, until quite recently researchers were unsure of two things: whether it’s possible for the brain to change and whether it can grow new cells. With the help of rats and monks, the answer is emerging: quite possibly yes.

This phenomenon is called neuroplasticity and is all the rage in neuropsychology at the moment. As none of us are getting any younger, it’s good to know our brains still have the capacity for change.

> Read about rats in Science Daily, and monks in the Orlando Sentinel

Author: Dr Jeremy Dean

Psychologist, Jeremy Dean, PhD is the founder and author of PsyBlog. He holds a doctorate in psychology from University College London and two other advanced degrees in psychology. He has been writing about scientific research on PsyBlog since 2004.

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