neuropsychology

Scientists are only now beginning to understand the most complex machine in the known universe--the brain. Go on a voyage of discovery into the evolutionary history of our last biological frontier. From early civilizations' attempts at neurosurgery to today's robotic laser surgery, revolutionary new techniques are finally unlocking the story of the brain. As a result, we've learned more in the last five years than in the past 100.

"In the tradition of Oliver Sacks, a tour of the latest neuroscience of schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer's disease, ecstatic epilepsy, Cotard's syndrome, out-of-body experiences, and other disorders--revealing the awesome power of the human sense of self from a master of science journalism Anil Ananthaswamy's extensive in-depth interviews venture into the lives of individuals who offer perspectives that will change how you think about who you are. These individuals all lost some part of what we think of as our self, but they then offer remarkable, sometimes heart-wrenching insights into what remains."--Publisher.

Investigates various unusual and involuntary human behaviors, including laughing, crying, coughing, and sneezing. Details the evolutionary origins of these behaviors and discusses how their study can offer new perspectives on how the human brain works.

Presents an examination of genetic inheritance and its impact on creativity, intelligence, and genius, exploring how the human brain achieves breakthroughs in art, music, science, and literature by providing information on the role of genes, the environment, education, and more.

A career memoir of neuroscientist James Fallon, describing how while studying his family's brain scans for research he discovered that his own scan reflected a pattern similar to those in the brains of serial killers, a finding that offered new insights into the role of biology in behavior.

Discusses scientific evidence that reveals how thoughts shape the human brain, and describes how to stimulate and strengthen the brain with positive relationships, spirituality, and confidence to increase the feelings of calm, happiness, and compassion.

Contains nearly fifty articles reprinted from the Science Times section of "The New York Times" from 1992 to 2000 which report on scientific discoveries in the field of brain research, covering the senses, mood and emotions, memory, language, the mind, sleep, and other topics.

Explains how electronic media, fast-paced life-style, unstable family patterns, environmental hazard, and educational practices influence the way our children think.