Fundamental Properties Of The Human Nervous System

Although today differential psychology embraces a large and ever-increasing body of facts, conclusions, and practical recommendations which have wide applicability, a number of critical problems are still unresolved or only partly resolved. One of the most important of these is the relationship between individual variations in human behavior and in dividual features of a range of correlated physiological functions. Adequate concepts exist for understanding individual variations in some physiological functions underlying specific aspects (speed, tempo, rhythm, amplitude) of the flow of psychical activity. This fact alone is of considerable importance, especially when we consider that such dynamic features can-and sometimes do in a fundamental way-modulate psychological functioning. If we consider, in addition, that in certain circumstances these variables have a direct and sometimes decisive effect on the final behavioral outcome, it seems obvious that the parameters of physiologically active systems determine a number of important features of complex human behavior. According to Pavlov, the most important of these is that system com prising central nervous system properties, which determine the generation of excitatory and inhibitory processes in the structures of the central nervous system. The concept of basic nervous system properties as leading parameters of the psychophysiological organization of individuality seems to be one of the outstanding achievements of the Pavlovian school. It provided the framework within which investigators could attempt to determine ex perimentally individual features of behavior and reactivity.

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."

How we raise young children is one of today's most highly personalized and sharply politicized issues, in part because each of us can claim some level of "expertise." The debate has intensified as discoveries about our development-in the womb and in the first months and years-have reached the popular media. How can we use our burgeoning knowledge to assure the well-being of all young children, for their own sake as well as for the sake of our nation? Drawing from new findings, this book presents important conclusions about nature-versus-nurture, the impact of being born into a working family, the effect of politics on programs for children, the costs and benefits of intervention, and other issues. The committee issues a series of challenges to decision makers regarding the quality of child care, issues of racial and ethnic diversity, the integration of children's cognitive and emotional development, and more. Authoritative yet accessible, From Neurons to Neighborhoods presents the evidence about "brain wiring" and how kids learn to speak, think, and regulate their behavior. It examines the effect of the climate-family, child care, community-within which the child grows.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.