Livewired

Starred review from October 1, 2020

Recent developments in brain imaging, along with more sophisticated techniques for neural integration with digital systems, have ushered in a new age of experimental neuroscience that is beginning to unlock the mysteries and potentials of the brain in sensing, manipulating, and even thinking about the world. On the forefront of this, neuroscientist and educator Eagleman (The Brain: The Story of You) here tackles the burgeoning topic of neuroplasticity (a popular term he finds somewhat limiting and misleading). Arguing that the human brain has been evolutionarily shaped in a way that makes it particularly adaptable, he first offers examples of ways in which the brains of individuals with damage or deficits in their sensory apparatus have "rewired" themselves to compensate. These modifications, which have in the past happened organically (blind individuals who learn Braille have demonstrable changes in their ocular cortex), or, more recently, as a result of external intervention (deaf individuals show changes to their auditory cortex after a cochlear implant) are now observable through improved imaging techniques. Having thus grounded his argument, he then becomes increasingly speculative, exploring ways in which the adaptable nature of brain functioning might be harnessed through indirect and, ultimately, direct inputs to sense, control, and communicate with our environment. VERDICT A fascinating and ultimately very hopeful work narrated with clarity and enthusiasm by the author.--Forrest Link, The Coll. of New Jersey Lib., Ewing, NJ

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 22, 2020
Neuroscientist Eagleman (The Brain) delivers an intellectually exhilarating look at neuroplasticity. In his view, the brain’s ability to reconfigure connections between its different areas in response to feedback is “quite possibly the most gorgeous phenomenon in biology,” and also holds exciting practical applications. Eagleman explains how the brain’s “maps” of the body are not genetically precoded, but arrive “remarkably unfinished” at birth and are then molded by experience, and walks readers through the concept of cortical redeployment, in which the function of different brain areas is reallocated according to need—for instance, in blind people, the visual cortex doesn’t go unused, but is adapted for other purposes. Optimistically proposing that humanity can use neuroplasticity to its advantage, Eagleman describes the therapeutic field devoted to substituting one sense for another, and the potential for augmentation of existing senses (as has occurred with some cornea transplantees who found themselves suddenly able to see ultraviolet light). Finally, Eagleman addresses the implications for future tech innovations, observing that AI systems, despite their now “mindblowingly impressive” state, lack the brain’s essential plasticity. Eagleman’s skill as teacher, bold vision, and command of current research will make this superb work a curious reader’s delight.