Question

What is brain plasticity, according to David Shenk? How does it work? Why is understanding brain plasticity important in understanding why Shenk says we cannot accurately categorize some genes as good and some as bad? And why does brain plasticity help explain why the blueprint model of genes is problematic to accuracy?

Answer 1

According to David Shenk brain plasticity is a process by which the brain adapt and organizes to certain traits and functions based on specific experience. Due to the plasticity of the brain our brain contradicts many ideas and process and helps in understanding what we can do and what we cannot. There are many traits which are developed in the brain in the process of adapting to the environment. This helps in using the brain to a certain potential and help one to be able to understand and perceive things beyond abilities and also helps with the capacity to think better and improve. The plasticity is basically how learning changes the brain and how the brain gradually reacts and develops according to the environment. The brain plasticity in short is the ability of the brain to modify the connections and hence is able to develop through phases of growth and development.

Brain plasticity is important although Shenk says one cannot accurately categorize some genes as good and bad because the brain has the ability to change throughout the life. It has the ability to reorganize and hence is able to produce new type of connection by varying or altering the neurons or brain cells. There are genetic as well as environmental factors which are responsible for playing the role of plasticity in brain. As the brain develop, it tends to organize themselves and through adulthood, things are learned and understood. The genes can be bad or good based on how they are expressed and the expression can be manipulated based on learning and understanding. There are many psychotherapy which helps in rewiring the brain and make a difference in the genes.

The brain plasticity help explain that the blueprint model of genes is problematic to accuracy because the blueprint or the functioning of the genes or even the interneuron connection or signals can be changed based on the environment and surrounding condition.