Cognition and Behabiour
Neuroplasticity
The brain is a remarkably adaptive organ. Neurons and the connections between them are continually changing, which allow us to acquire new skills, retain memories, and recover from brain injury. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain and nervous system’s ability to re-model in response to new information. Being plastic, the brain can change as a result of behaviour, emotions, external stimuli and injury.
One mechanism through which this occurs is synaptic plasticity, which occurs at synapses and is crucial for forming new memories. Another is the birth of new neurons, which is known as neurogenesis.
Synaptic plasticity
How do scientists study synaptic plasticity and learning?
