134 | Robert Sapolsky on Why We Behave the Way We Do
Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
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Pruning, Not Packing: The Adolescent Brain's True Growth
During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes that diverge from earlier assumptions about growth. Rather than generating new neurons and connections, the brain focuses on pruning—eliminating excess and inefficient circuitry developed earlier, particularly around the ages of 12 or 13. This process aims to refine and optimize brain function, leading to a more efficient network as the individual approaches young adulthood.
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