The Custom-Made Brain ─ Cerebral Plasticity, Regeneration, and Enhancement

Two leading neuroscientists introduce the concepts of "cerebral plasticity" and the "regenerating brain," describing what we know now about the processes through which the brain constantly reconstructs itself and the potential benefits this knowledge might have in addressing concerns for neurological, cognitive, and emotional health.

The authors begin with a survey of the fundamental scientific developments that led to our current understanding of the regenerative mind, elucidating some of the breakthrough neurobiological studies that paved the way for our present understanding of the brain's plasticity and regenerative capabilities. They then discuss the application of these findings to such issues as depression, dyslexia, schizophrenia, and cognitive therapy, incorporating the latest technologies in neuroimaging, optogenetics, and nanotechnology. Their work shows the brain is anything but a static organ, ceasing to grow as human beings become adults. Rather, the brain is dynamic, evolving organically in relation to physical, cultural, historical, and affective stimuli, a plasticity that provides great hope to survivors of trauma and degenerative disorders.

Jean-Didier Vincent is professor emeritus at the University of Paris-Sud-Orsay and a member of the Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Sud-Kremlin-Bicetre. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Voyage extraordinaire au centre du cerveau and Biologie des passions ( The Biology of Emotions) and belongs to the French Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Medicine.

Pierre-Marie Lledo is a research director specializing in neuronal stem cells at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). He is the recipient of a CNRS bronze medal and the Prize of the French Academy of Sciences.