James Brody
October 15th, 2008, 02:37 PM
Stimulation & CNS Growth
Goldberg (2006) gives examples of the interaction between CNS geometry and external experience ... London cabbies and violinists show changes in cortical volume that parallel jobs and hobbies. The CNS has some of the flexibility of a muscle or a callus - an exploratory system that changes function in response to the demands put upon it.
Further, given an enhanced capacity for a skill, you might expect an enhanced search for material that aligns with that skill. Kuramoto - similarity and influence lead to synchrony - comes to mind.
JimB
"Searching The Internet Increases Brain Function
"ScienceDaily (Oct. 15, 2008) — UCLA scientists have found that for computer-savvy middle-aged and older adults, searching the Internet triggers key centers in the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning. The findings demonstrate that Web search activity may help stimulate and possibly improve brain function."
More at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081014111043.htm
References:
Goldberg, E. (2006) The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Brain Can Grow Stronger As You Grow Older. NY: Gotham.
Strogatz, S. (2003) Sync: The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order. NY: Hyperion. (A must read that introduces a must concept!)
Goldberg (2006) gives examples of the interaction between CNS geometry and external experience ... London cabbies and violinists show changes in cortical volume that parallel jobs and hobbies. The CNS has some of the flexibility of a muscle or a callus - an exploratory system that changes function in response to the demands put upon it.
Further, given an enhanced capacity for a skill, you might expect an enhanced search for material that aligns with that skill. Kuramoto - similarity and influence lead to synchrony - comes to mind.
JimB
"Searching The Internet Increases Brain Function
"ScienceDaily (Oct. 15, 2008) — UCLA scientists have found that for computer-savvy middle-aged and older adults, searching the Internet triggers key centers in the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning. The findings demonstrate that Web search activity may help stimulate and possibly improve brain function."
More at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081014111043.htm
References:
Goldberg, E. (2006) The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Brain Can Grow Stronger As You Grow Older. NY: Gotham.
Strogatz, S. (2003) Sync: The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order. NY: Hyperion. (A must read that introduces a must concept!)