Human Brain Development: Nature and Nurture

Synopsis

This film, produced at the brain development laboratory at Oregon University, explores the fascinating interplay of genetic predispositions and circumstance after birth in the development of the brain and concludes that brains are highly modifiable. Combines animations and graphics with footage of behavioural, MRI and EEG research into the development of both visual perception and the varied aspects of language acquisition throughout all stages of life. The three profiles of plasticity are depicted:- the systems that are constrained in plasticity very early in central development such as central vision, the systems that are plastic but only within certain time frames such as the acquisition of a sound system of a language, and those systems in which plasticity continues throughout life such as the development of vocabulary.

A congenitally deaf young woman, university students and pre-school children all take part in a series of studies that illustrate how neuroscience research is conducted and how all brains change after time and experience. Practical advice for the utilization of sensitive periods and optimal specialization of brain areas make these important concepts accessible to students.

Series

Neuroscience, Series

Language

English

Country

United States

Year of release

2007

Year of production

2007

Subjects

Biology; Psychology

Keywords

brain sciences; child development; genetics; human biology; language development; neurobiology; social psychology; visual perception; nature vs nurture

Credits

Contributor

Helen Neville

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 1

Price

£125.00

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

30 minutes

Year

2008

Production Company

Name

Davidson Films Inc.

Distributor

Name

Uniview Worldwide

Email

sales@uniview.co.uk

Web

http://www.uniview.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

0151 648 9988

Address

PO Box 20
Hoylake
Wirral
CH48 7HY

Notes

NB. Uniview ceased trading at the end of July 2016. Some of the products previously distributed by them are available from Short Cuts TV: http://www.shortcutstv.com/