Building Brains: An Introduction to Neural Development

2017 | Medical & Veterinary

Building Brains describes the main elements of current understanding of the mechanisms that create the nervous system, from its first beginnings to its mature form. It explains how cells make key decisions about becoming neural, when to proliferate and when to differentiate or die, what types of neural cells to become, how to connect to each other and how these connection are refined by spontaneous and environmentally-induced activity. Drawing on the advances made by the study of a variety of model organisms using molecular, genetic and imaging technologies, the book focuses on well-established principles and includes numerous illustrations in full colour throughout. Boxes in parallel to the main text and diagrams contain more detailed descriptions of major experimental technologies, findings, contributors to the field and examples from human diseases. This new edition sets emphasis on issues of human development and disease with expanded sections that include important updated information regarding the significant approaches that have brought major advances in recent years. The combination of experimental and computer-based analytical approaches will be introduced and future challenges will be discussed. Furthermore, this book will feature links to online material such as animations, detailed descriptions, processes, methods and audio recordings to help improve the readers' understanding and give in-depth details of current research. A set of questions and answers for each chapter will also be available which students can use to assess their understanding.

David J. Price (Author)

Andrew P. Jarman (Author)

John O. Mason (Author)

Peter C. Kind (Author)