The Brain: A Very Short Introduction

Description

The Brain: A Very Short Introduction provides a non-technical introduction to the main issues and findings in current brain research and gives a sense of how neuroscience addresses questions about the relationship between the brain and the mind. Short, clear discussions on the mechanical workings of the brain are offered and the details of brain science are covered in an accessible style. Explanations of the more familiar implications of the brain's actions, such as memories, perceptions, and motor control are integrated throughout the book. It has chapters on brain processes and the causes of "altered mental states," as well as a final chapter that discusses possible future developments in neuroscience, touching on artificial intelligence, gene therapy, the importance of the Human Genome Project, drugs by design, and transplants. Up-to-date coverage of the newest developments in brain research and suggestions for future research on the brain are also included.About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam. Contents......Page 10 Acknowledgements......Page 11 List of illustrations......Page 12 1 Thinking about the brain......Page 14 2 From humours to cells: components of mind......Page 25 3 Signalling in the brain: getting connected......Page 41 4 From the Big Bang to the big brain......Page 55 5 Sensing, perceiving, and acting......Page 77 6 Memories are made of this......Page 97 7 Broken brain: invention and intervention......Page 115 8 Epilogue......Page 135 Further reading......Page 138 C......Page 142 F......Page 143 K......Page 144 N......Page 145 P......Page 146 S......Page 147 V......Page 148 X......Page 149