Michael Merzenich on re-wiring the brain

http://www.ted.com Neuroscientist Michael Merzenich looks at one of the secrets of the brain's incredible power: its ability to actively re-wire itself. He's researching ways to harness the brain's plasticity to enhance our skills and recover lost function.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Watch the Top 10 TEDTalks on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/top10

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Michael
• Merzenich
• TEDTalks
• TED
• talks
• brain
• elastic
• plastic
• neuroscience
• learning
• mind
• plasticity
• wiring

[drshandizzandi]

The sign of intelligence is to learn from others rather than to insult smart individuals who are courageous enough to dedicate their lives to learning. Their generosity to share their knowledge is commendable. Please share your knowledge in greater detail so we can benefit from it.

[Glass2007]

I'm sure single celled organisms wouldn't find you very sexy.

[crudhousefull]

I like the kid (speaker's granddaughter's) name: Mithra = Loving-Kindness

[c33r0k33]

I've seen brain 'exercise' help an brain injured relative recover to the point at the age of 53 he returned to college and received top grades in his chemistry and biology classes. Incredible when I consider he lost full coordination and speech for long period of time. The work such neuroscientists as Dr. Merzenich achieve definitely made a difference. One critique: less technical explanation for the general public..

[swimneo]

how do you rewire the brain for better spelling on powerpoint presentations?

[nics10able]

This science is sooooooooooooo goooooooooooooooood to listen to

[healer378]

An old professor/Doctor is talking , be polite or shut up and leave. If you reached (ever in your jealous and unhappy life) this level after years of research then come and talk but not here. No, on your own session(If anybody would ever allow you to even have a session).

[EricTheRed03]

This was a brilliant speech. Well done!!!

[nrgshkl093]

youtube.com/watch?v=vIpnkqEDaU­A&feature=related

[originalcraig]

Strong minded people are responsible for the lives of the weak minded people. I take advantage of those who are weaker minded and give help to them to lift up their surviveblity as far as I can for that, and I do that free of charge, unlike this guy which he is getting paid for it. He thinks he is protected from those who he takes advantage of. Wisdom is not one of his strength. We all deserve the same amounts of goods. Who has the right to say someone else has free will yet takes from them.

[danieljuliangreen]

guys: are you saying you'd not be nervous giving a TED talk?

[wamuq]

@leoca :) let's just be friends and let it be. ^^