On Tue, 18 Feb 2003, Brad Wyble wrote: > . . . > Incorrect. The cortex has genetically pre-programmed systems. > It cannot be said that is a matrix loaded with software from > subcortical structures.. > . . .
Yes, but there is a very interesting experiment with rewiring brains of young ferrets so that visual signals from their retinas do not connect to their visual cortex area V1, but instead connect to their auditory cortex. The same banded structure of cells specialized for different line direction orientations that normally develop in the visual cortex develop in the auditory cortex. This suggests that these structures are not encoded in ferret genes, but rather are learned in response to the structure of visual stimuli. The reference is: Sharma, J., Angelucci, A., Sur. M. Induction of visual orientation modules in auditory cortex. Nature 404, 841-847. 2000. I don't pretend to know anywhere near what you do about neuroscience, but thought you might find this interesting. Cheers, Bill ------- To unsubscribe, change your address, or temporarily deactivate your subscription, please go to http://v2.listbox.com/member/?[EMAIL PROTECTED]
