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Learning to make, keep adult neurons
A small brain structure called the hippocampus may generate new neurons throughout adulthood in response to certain types of learning or even regular exercise.
References:
Gould, E., et al. 1999. Learning enhances adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal formation. Nature Neuroscience 2(March):260.
Greenough, W.T., N.J. Cohen, and J.M. Juraska. 1999. New neurons in old brains: Learning to survive? Nature Neuroscience 2(March):203.
van Praag, H., G. Kempermann, and F.H. Gage. 1999. Running increases cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the adult mouse dentate gyrus. Nature Neuroscience 2(March):266.
Further Readings:
Travis, J. 1998. Adult human brains add new cells. Science News 154(Oct. 31):276.
Sources:
Elizabeth Gould
Princeton University
Department of Psychology
Princeton, NJ 08544
William T. Greenough
University of Illinois
Department of Psychology
Beckman Institute
405 North Mathews Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
Henriette van Praag
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Laboratory of Genetics
10010 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
From Science News, Vol. 155, No. 11, March 13, 1999, p. 170. Copyright © 1999, Science Service.
