Nature, nurture & neuroplasticity | Anthony Hannan | TEDxNorthernSydneyInstitute

Summary

This talk delves into the enigmatic 'light bulb moment' in neuroscience, highlighting three transformative revolutions: neuroplasticity, which shows the brain's adaptability throughout life; genomics, promising personalized medicine through DNA sequencing; and epigenetics, revealing how environmental factors can alter gene expression. It emphasizes the brain's development, the impact of disorders, and the potential for new treatments, concluding with the hopeful message that our genetic destiny can be influenced by our experiences.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The 'light bulb moment' is a mystery in neuroscience and remains one of the exciting areas to explore.
• 🌟 Einstein's quotes highlight the importance of embracing the mysterious and the awe it inspires, which is also true for understanding the brain.
• 🧬 The brain is a complex 'mind machine' with 100 billion neurons and a thousand trillion synapses, unlike any supercomputer.
• 🔄 Neuroplasticity is a revolutionary concept showing the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout life, not just in childhood.
• 📈 Experience and environment can alter brain connections, even leading to the birth of new neurons in adulthood.
• 🧪 Brain scans reveal how the brain develops and changes from childhood to adulthood, influenced by experiences.
• 🌐 Brain and mind disorders affect a significant portion of the population, emphasizing the importance of understanding and treating them.
• 🧬 Genomics is revolutionizing healthcare with the potential for personalized medicine through DNA sequencing.
• 🌿 Environmental factors play a crucial role in brain disorders, and understanding them is key to developing treatments.
• 🧬 Epigenetics refers to changes above the genome, influencing how genes express themselves without altering the DNA sequence.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Cognitive stimulation and physical activity can have therapeutic effects, potentially delaying the onset of brain disorders.

Q & A

What is the 'light bulb moment' in neuroscience?

The 'light bulb moment' is a metaphor for a sudden realization or a moment of insight. The neuroscience behind it remains a mystery, making it an exciting area of study.

What are the three revolutions mentioned in the script that will transform lives in the 21st century?

The three revolutions are neuroplasticity, genomics, and epigenetics. These revolutions have the potential to transform our understanding of the brain and mind, leading to advancements in healthcare and treatment of brain disorders.

How does neuroplasticity challenge the previous understanding of the adult brain?

Neuroplasticity challenges the previous understanding that the adult brain is fixed by showing that the brain can change its structure and function throughout life, not just in childhood.

What is the significance of the brain's ability to change its connections and even create new neurons in adulthood?

The ability to change connections and create new neurons in adulthood is significant because it demonstrates the brain's adaptability and capacity for growth, which can have implications for learning, memory, and recovery from brain injuries.

How does the brain's development continue throughout life?

The brain's development continues throughout life as it forms new connections and modifies existing ones in response to experiences and the environment.

What is the impact of brain and mind disorders on the population?

Brain and mind disorders affect a significant portion of the population, with 75% of individuals expected to suffer from at least one such disorder in their lifetime.

How does genomics revolutionize healthcare?

Genomics revolutionizes healthcare by enabling the sequencing of an individual's entire genome at a low cost. This can lead to personalized and precision medicine tailored to an individual's genetic makeup.

What is the role of environmental factors in brain disorders?

Environmental factors play a significant role in brain disorders, often interacting with genetic predispositions to influence the development and progression of these conditions.

What was the outcome of the experiment involving mice with Huntington's disease and environmental enrichment?

The experiment showed that mice with Huntington's disease that received increased cognitive stimulation and physical activity experienced a dramatic delay in the onset and progression of the disease.

How does epigenetics differ from genetics?

Epigenetics refers to chemical modifications to DNA that can affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself, whereas genetics involves the study of genes and their variations.

What is the concept of 'brain reserve' and how can it be beneficial?

The concept of 'brain reserve' suggests that increased cognitive stimulation and physical activity can build a neuroprotective reserve within the brain, potentially delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.