The Future of the Brain, a forward-looking compendium that reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of brain research, while also addressing the broader implications of these scientific advancements
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Pianeta Libri news. Turin, May 21, 2024 – First published in 2015 by Princeton University Press, The Future of the Brain: Essays by the World's Leading Neuroscientists is now re-proposed by the publisher, Apr 30, 2024, with a new Foreword by Mackenzie W. Mathis. The book, edited by Gary Marcus and Jeremy Freeman, both deeply involved in neuroscience and psychology, features contributions from prominent neuroscientists and researchers who explore the latest advancements in brain research and neuroscience and discuss future directions in the field.
The idea behind the book was to provide a forward-looking perspective on neuroscience, highlighting emerging trends, technological advancements, and the potential impact of new discoveries on our understanding of the brain.
The book features essays from a diverse group of neuroscientists, including Christof Koch, George Church, Rafael Yuste, and Olaf Sporns, among others. Each contributor discusses their specific area of expertise and provides insights into future research directions and implications for broader scientific and societal contexts.
Key Contributors and Topics:
Christof Koch
Explores the biological basis of consciousness, discussing the neural correlates of conscious experience and the challenges of understanding how subjective experiences arise from brain activity.
Stanley Heinze
Investigates the neural mechanisms of navigation in animals, particularly focusing on how insects like bees and ants use their brains to navigate complex environments.
Rafael Yuste
Discusses the brain's neural circuits and the potential for new technologies, such as optogenetics, to manipulate and understand these circuits at unprecedented levels of detail.
George Church
Examines the possibilities of brain enhancement and the ethical implications of using genetic engineering and other technologies to augment human cognitive abilities.
Terrence Sejnowski
Focuses on computational neuroscience, emphasizing the role of neural networks in understanding brain function and the development of machine learning algorithms inspired by brain architecture.
Hanna Damasio
Explores the relationship between emotions and brain function, discussing how the brain processes emotional experiences and their impact on decision-making and behavior.
Miguel Nicolelis
Covers brain-machine interfaces, discussing how technology can be used to create direct communication pathways between the brain and external devices, with applications in medicine and robotics.
V.S. Ramachandran
Examines neurological disorders and what they reveal about normal brain function, providing insights into brain plasticity and the potential for neurorehabilitation.
Themes Covered:
• Consciousness: Understanding the neural basis of conscious experience.
• Neural Circuits: Investigating the structure and function of neural networks.
• Brain Enhancement: The future of genetic engineering and cognitive augmentation.
• Brain-Machine Interfaces: The development and application of technologies that connect the brain with external devices.
• Emotions and Cognition: How the brain processes emotions and their effects on behavior.
• Ethics: The ethical implications of advancements in neuroscience and technology.
Known for publishing scholarly works, Princeton University Press provided the platform to disseminate these cutting-edge ideas to a broad audience, including academics, professionals, and anyone interested in the future of neuroscience.
Since its publication, "The Future of the Brain" has been influential in shaping discussions about the future of neuroscience, both within the scientific community and among the general public. It provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the field and serves as a source of inspiration for future research and exploration.
The book's significance lies in its ability to gather the perspectives of leading experts to present a cohesive vision of the potential paths neuroscience might take in the coming years, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the future of brain science.
The primary goal of the book is to not only highlight current advancements but also to speculate and propose future directions for research and application in neuroscience. It aims to stimulate thought and discussion about how ongoing discoveries might transform our understanding of the brain and its role in various aspects of life and society.
The Future of the Brain serves as a forward-looking compendium that reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of brain research, while also addressing the broader implications of these scientific advancements. It is aimed at a broad audience that includes:
1. Students and Educators:
• Students: Particularly those studying neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, and related fields. The book serves as an insightful resource that provides a glimpse into the cutting-edge research and future directions in these areas.
• Educators: Professors and teachers can use the book to supplement their teaching materials, providing students with contemporary perspectives from leading experts.
2. Researchers and Practitioners:
• Neuroscientists: Both early-career and established researchers will find value in the discussions of emerging trends, novel methodologies, and future challenges in brain research.
• Medical Professionals: Doctors, particularly neurologists and psychiatrists, can benefit from understanding the future directions of brain research that might impact clinical practice.
3. General Readers with an Interest in Science:
• Science Enthusiasts: Individuals with a keen interest in science and technology who wish to stay informed about the latest developments in neuroscience.
• General Public: The book is written in an accessible manner, making it suitable for a general audience interested in the workings of the human brain and the future of brain science.
4. Policymakers and Innovators:
• Policymakers: Those involved in science policy can gain insights into the future of neuroscience, which can inform decisions about funding and regulation.
• Technology Innovators: Professionals in technology and artificial intelligence can find inspiration and foundational knowledge that might inform the development of new technologies interfacing with neuroscience.
Overall, the book aims to bridge the gap between complex scientific research and a broader audience, making advanced topics in neuroscience comprehensible and engaging for a diverse readership.
The editors
Gary Marcus:
Background: Gary Marcus is a cognitive scientist, author, and professor at New York University. He earned his Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Research: Marcus is known for his work in the fields of language acquisition, cognitive development, and artificial intelligence (AI). He has contributed significantly to understanding how humans learn language and develop cognitive abilities.
Publications: Apart from academic research, Marcus has authored several books, including popular science books. He often writes for mainstream publications and participates in public discussions on AI, neuroscience, and cognitive science.
Jeremy Freeman:
Background: Jeremy Freeman is a neuroscientist and research group leader at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. He received his Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of California, Berkeley.
Research: Freeman's research focuses on the development of computational tools for analyzing large-scale neural data. He is particularly interested in understanding the organization and function of neural circuits in the brain.
Contributions: Freeman is known for his contributions to open-source software projects in neuroscience, aiming to make data analysis tools more accessible to researchers worldwide. He actively promotes open science principles and collaboration within the scientific community.
Both editors bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the book, combining insights from cognitive science, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. Their collaborative effort in editing "The Future of the Brain" provides readers with a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge research and future directions in neuroscience.
By Giovanni Paparo
Index
Princeton Science Library
The Future of the Brain
Essays by the World's Leading Neuroscientists
Edited by Gary Marcus and Jeremy Freeman
With a new foreword by Mackenzie W. Mathis
Princeton University Press, Princeton and Oxford, first published 2015. First Princeton Science Library edition, with a new Foreword by Mackenzie W. Mathis, Published: Apr 30, 2024. Copyright: 2024
Number of pages: 306 (XX-286). Softcover
Size: 5.4 x 8.5 in (13,7 x 21,6 cm). 9 color + 20 b/w illus.
ISBN: 9780691258829 (paperback)
Price: $18.95/£15.99
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