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CH 2 - Mythbusting The Brain

The document addresses common myths about the brain, specifically focusing on the myth that neurons cannot be newly created and only die with age. Evidence from the textbook and an external study indicates that neurogenesis, the process of creating new neurons, can occur throughout life, including in older adults. A study published in the journal Cell Stem Cell supports this claim, suggesting that neurogenesis in the hippocampus may continue into later life and is linked to cognitive function.

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16 views1 page

CH 2 - Mythbusting The Brain

The document addresses common myths about the brain, specifically focusing on the myth that neurons cannot be newly created and only die with age. Evidence from the textbook and an external study indicates that neurogenesis, the process of creating new neurons, can occur throughout life, including in older adults. A study published in the journal Cell Stem Cell supports this claim, suggesting that neurogenesis in the hippocampus may continue into later life and is linked to cognitive function.

Uploaded by

andreina
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Mythbusting the Brain!

Andreina Tejada
There are many misconceptions surrounding the brain and its functioning. I have collected a few them and
have listed them below. For this assignment, I am asking you to select one of these myths (or identify a
common myth of your own about the brain) and do a little ‘mythbusting’ of your own. In this activity, you are
going to use both the textbook and one other outside source to identify whether the myth is supported by
evidence.

The human brain is grey in color and firm to the touch.


Most people only use 10% of their brain.
Functions are localized in either the left or right hemisphere.
Neurons cannot be newly created; they can only die with age.
Alcohol kills brain cells.
Monkey see, monkey do.
Some people can use their minds to influence things, for example, the way that dice will fall.
Among the range of animals, the larger the brain, generally the greater the intelligence.

1. First, select one of the myths above OR list out a different common myth about the brain that you want to
examine. Write the myth you are investigating in the line below.

Myth: _________ Neurons cannot be newly created; they can only die with age.____

2. Second, review the content in the textbook and determine whether there is any evidence in our textbook that
either supports the myth or contradicts the myth. If our textbook does discuss this myth, describe (in your own
words – do not copy down what the textbook says…I have read the book, too) what it has to say about the
myth. If the textbook does not discuss this myth, you can leave this section blank (be careful, the myth may
come up in another chapter of the book other than Chapter 2 and I will expect you to have looked carefully in
other areas).

Throughout life, neurons may change in size, shape, and connectivity, although they are mostly formed
relatively early on. The central nervous system features plasticity and is reflected in the way neurons operate.
Neurons can alter, and they often do. In addition, through a process known as neurogenesis, the adult brain is
able to produce new neurons.

3. Finally, find one other source of information about the myth that is not from our textbook. You can use the
internet, you can use the library, and you can use other textbooks. Tell me where you found this information
(be specific – exact website URL, title of book and authors, etc.). Then, tell me (in your own words) what this
source of information had to say about the myth.

The process of creating new brain cells, known as neurogenesis, seems to carry on in humans even into old age,
according to a recently published study partially supported by the NIA. Although there is disagreement over
whether human brain cell growth can continue past adolescence, the researchers' recent research suggests
hippocampal neurogenesis does continue into later life and may be connected to cognition. Their findings are
published in the journal Cell Stem Cell.

Reference: Tobin MK, et al. Human hippocampal neurogenesis persists in aged adults and Alzheimer's disease
patients. Cell Stem Cell. 2019;24(6):974-982.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.05.003.

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