On 20 August 2014 13:16, 'Chris de Morsella' via Everything List < [email protected]> wrote:
> > Agreed, but isn't this more akin to a neural network rather than the DNA > of an organism. Our particular network configuration -- e.g. the actual > distribution of neurons and the synaptic connections between them is not > determined by our DNA. Doesn't the brain also self-assemble during > embyogenesis? It is not a predetermined architecture -- at the micro scale > of how neurons and the conectome between them are laid out at least. Sure > the organisms DNA kicks off the embryogenesis process and no doubt is > involved at every step of the way, but a lot of what is going on in early > brain development seems analogous to molecular self assembly. > Not just then, but throughout life. For example, the visual cortex wires itself up during the first year of life, I think (this can cause problems if you have an eye infection during the critical period). And I believe teenage brains are doing a lot of rewiring, hence their inability to get out of bed before midday unless pushed. But at any age I believe stroke victims can recover lost brain function by rebuilding neural pathways. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Everything List" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/everything-list. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
