In this Article and Video, Dr Norman Doidge champions the new wave of scientific thinking on brain function known as neuroplasticity; the ability of the brain to change. He looks at the brain and explores ways to slow the ageing process and shows that by exercising the brain you will increase your brain fitness. The concept of neuroplasticity brings new hope for those suffering the effects of reduced brain function due to ageing or medical conditions such as a stroke.
In this hour long lecture, Dr. Doidge tells the remarkable story of how, in his last visit to Brisbane in 2008, he met a woman Jane Gapp whose daughter had the incurable condition Locked-In Syndrome. Reading Doidge's book compelled Gapp to persevere in her attempts to help her daughter recover, and she has since pulled her out of her "Locked-In" state.
This article by Dr Doidge is titled New Hope for Aging Creaking Yuppie Bodies.
In this edition of The Nature of Things David Suzuki explores the science of "neuroplasticity" and the best-selling book by psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Norman Doidge. It presents a strong case for reconsidering how we view the human mind.
Neuroscientist Daniel Wolpert starts from a surprising premise: the brain evolved, not to think or feel, but to control movement. In this entertaining, data-rich talk he gives us a glimpse into how the brain creates the grace and agility of human motion. Please note, this is quite a large presentation.
Recent work shows the relationship between Aerobic exercise and neurogenesis - the creation of new neurons.
Buff and Brainy - Exercising the body can benefit the mind. This is part one of a two-part series on lifestyle and brain fitness.
Do you have you any idea how come this sentence breaks the rules but read it you still can?
These abilities demonstrate what's known as tacit knowledge - something as big and taken for granted as "air", "thought", or "language".
This article by S. Carpenter discusses the rapidly growing body of research that indicates that metaphors joining body and mind reflect a central fact about the way we think: the mind uses the body to make sense of abstract concepts.
Fish Oil and Blueberries have recently been shown to be very beneficial to your health.
These three articles from the Sydney Morning Herald discuss Vitamin D and health, mental disorder and genes.
There is also a Youtube video from ABC TV Catalyst at the bottom of this page.
Scientists find that Barefoot runners adjust their leg and foot movements so that they land more gently on the ground. This article from the Sydney Morning Herald discusses barefoot running, foot-gloves and traditional runners. Please note that this PDF article is quite large and the small font is best viewed at ~200% magnification.
Dr. Robert Burgess, feldenkrais practitioner, publishes an occasional newsletter. Here are the 2007 "Thorax" and 2010 "Posture Matters" editions.
This article from the Feldenkrais Movement Institute discusses how habitual actions mold the bones and muscular envelope.
Recently a doctor working in Holland found his patient with advanced Parkinsons could ride a bicycle very well.
Here is the New York Times Article and a YouTube clip of the same man:
