David J. Price - Böcker

Provides a highly visual, readily accessible introduction to the main events that occur during neural development and their mechanismsBuilding Brains: An Introduction to Neural Development, 2nd Edition describes how brains construct themselves, from simple beginnings in the early embryo to become the most complex living structures on the planet. It explains how cells first become neural, how their proliferation is controlled, what regulates the types of neural cells they become, how neurons connect to each other, how these connections are later refined under the influence of neural activity, and why some neurons normally die. This student-friendly guide stresses and justifies the generally-held belief that a greater knowledge of how nervous systems construct themselves will help us find new ways of treating diseases of the nervous system that are thought to originate from faulty development, such as autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. A concise, illustrated guide focusing on core elements and emphasizing common principles of developmental mechanisms, supplemented by suggestions for further readingText boxes provide detail on major advances, issues of particular uncertainty or controversy, and examples of human diseases that result from abnormal developmentIntroduces the methods for studying neural development, allowing the reader to understand the main evidence underlying research advancesOffers a balanced mammalian/non-mammalian perspective (and emphasizes mechanisms that are conserved across species), drawing on examples from model organisms like the fruit fly, nematode worm, frog, zebrafish, chick, mouse and humanAssociated Website includes all the figures from the textbook and explanatory moviesFilled with full-colorartwork that reinforces important concepts; an extensive glossary and definitions that help readers from different backgrounds; and chapter summaries that stress important points and aid revision, Building Brains: An Introduction to Neural Development, 2nd Edition is perfect for undergraduate students and postgraduates who may not have a background in neuroscience and/or molecular genetics.“This elegant book ranges with ease and authority over the vast field of developmental neuroscience. This excellent textbook should be on the shelf of every neuroscientist, as well as on the reading list of every neuroscience student.” —Sir Colin Blakemore, Oxford University“With an extensive use of clear and colorful illustrations, this book makes accessible to undergraduates the beauty and complexity of neural development. The book fills a void in undergraduate neuroscience curricula.”—Professor Mark Bear, Picower Institute, MIT.Highly Commended, British Medical Association Medical Book Awards 2012Published with the New York Academy of Sciences

Exploring the origins of brain development, diversity, and disorders Misbuilding Brains: Biological Causes of Neurodevelopmental Divergence and Disorder offers detailed insights into human brain development from embryo to maturity, and how genetics and environment combine to produce diversity, common mental health conditions, and major neurodevelopmental disorders. Beginning with an explanation of brain development and function, the book explores how variability in our genomes and environment impact iterative growth processes before discussing where, when, and how specific neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodivergent conditions arise across the life course. It includes clinical conditions at all stages of life, from those appearing prenatally, in childhood, and in adolescence to diseases of the elderly that likely start early in life. A final outlook discusses the potential to prevent or treat these conditions. Combining the latest findings from developmental neurobiology, human genetics, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, psychiatry, and psychology, this book includes: Easily accessible content, using explanatory illustrations to help describe biological mechanisms and state-of-the art technologies to investigate neurodevelopmental diversityNormal brain development from conception to maturity with diagrams that clarify anatomy and define anatomical termsThe nature of the genome, including its composition, replication, and function, and environmental factors from physical to socioeconomic that impact brain developmentIn-depth coverage across the full range of neurodevelopmental conditions, from neurodivergence to overt anatomical neurodevelopmental disorders at all stages of life This book is an essential resource for students and researchers in biological and biomedical sciences, including neurology, psychiatry, and clinical psychology, seeking to understand the biological causes of neurodivergence and neurodevelopmental disorders.