Curiosity Weekly Brain Rewiring, Rat Imagination, Dogs & PTSD
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Jan 12, 2024 Neuroscientists discuss brain rewiring and debunk the myth of magical brain rewiring, exploring the imagination of rats through virtual reality, and the positive effect of dogs on people with PTSD.
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Brain Rewiring Rethought
- Brain rewiring is challenged by new research, suggesting the brain doesn't create new functions.
- Instead, pre-existing functions are activated or amplified after injury, emphasizing training and learning for recovery.
Rat Imagination
- Rats demonstrate imagination in a virtual reality experiment, controlling actions with their minds.
- This reveals their ability to envision places and move objects mentally, like humans.
Dogs and PTSD
- Sleeping near a service dog lowered heart rates in veterans with PTSD, especially severe cases.
- This highlights the therapeutic potential of service dogs in managing PTSD and its health risks.