The Nuts and Bolts of Better Brains: Harnessing the Power of Neuroplasticity

What if your brain at 77 were as plastic as it was at 7? What if you could learn Mandarin with the ease of a toddler or play Rachmaninoff without breaking a sweat? A growing understanding of neuroplasticity suggests these fantasies could one day become reality. Neuroplasticity may also be the key to solving diseases like Alzheimer’s, depression, and autism. In this program, leading neuroscientists discuss their most recent findings and both the tantalizing possibilities and pitfalls for our future cognitive selves. This program is part of the BIG IDEAS SERIES, made possible with support from the JOHN TEMPLETON FOUNDATION. PARTICIPANTS: Alvaro Pascual-Leone Nim Tottenham Carla Shatz MODERATOR: Guy McKhann MORE INFO ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND PARTICIPANTS: https://www.worldsciencefestival.com/... PROGRAM CREDITS: Produced by Nils Kongshaug Associate Produced by Christine Driscoll Opening film written / produced by Vin Liota Music provided by APM Additional images and footage provided by: Getty Images, Shutterstock, Videoblocks #worldsciencefestival #briangreene #neuroplasticity #brainscience Don't miss a video! Subscribe NOW: https://www.youtube.com/worldsciencef... ABOUT WORLD SCIENCE FESTIVAL: The World Science Festival (WSF) is a multimedia organization bringing the most transformative ideas in science to global audiences. Through long- and short-form videos spanning physics, cosmology, quantum mechanics, biology, neuroscience, consciousness, medicine, space exploration, the dilemma of free will, artificial intelligence, engineering, robotics, and beyond. WSF gathers world-renowned scientists, artists, and thinkers for dynamic discussions, debates, lectures, performances, films, and immersive live experiences. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in New York City, the World Science Festival is a production of the World Science Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to cultivate a public informed by science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future. With live events reaching millions worldwide and hundreds of millions of digital views, WSF continues to expand its global impact through festivals, educational initiatives like World Science U, and digital content that explores the near and far future of our world. FOLLOW WORLD SCIENCE FESTIVAL: Website: https://worldsciencefestival.com/ Instagram:   / worldscifest   TikTok:   / worldscifest   X(Twitter):   / worldscifest   Facebook:   / worldsciencefestival   LinkedIn:   / world-science-festival   Chapters: 00:00 - Opening film 03:53 - What is neuroplasticity? 04:21 - Participant introductions 05:21 - Structure of the brain 07:02 - Is the brain fundamentally unwired at the start? 08:30 - Why does the process of human brain development seem inefficient? 10:43 - Balancing stability and plasticity 13:01- Critical periods of brain development 14:54 - Extended human childhood development compared to other animals 17:37 - Stability and. plasticity in the visual system 25:13 - Reopening the visual system 27:28 - Pros and cons of brain plasticity vs. stability 29:55 - Plasticity in the autistic brain 31:25 - What is Trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) 33:10 - Phases of emotional development 37:40 - Schizophrenia and plasticity 40:24 - Recovery from brain injury 47:21 - Modern rehabilitation techniques 50:12 - Holy grail of Neuroscience 53:37 - Enhancing memory performance as we age 57:19 - Regulating emotions The Nuts and Bolts of Better Brains: Harnessing the Power of Neuroplasticity    / @worldsciencefestival