Learning and network plasticity in a primitive sensory cortex

我们的大脑是一台独一无二的强大的超级计算机，部分原因是它是“塑料的”--也就是说，当我们适应或学习新事物时，它可以自我改变。了解大脑可塑性的原因是了解疾病和健康情况下大脑的基本部分。这项研究使用激光显微镜来读取老鼠学习气味时的心思。通过观察行动中的可塑性，我们将对正常的大脑功能有更深入的了解。

Our brain is a uniquely powerful supercomputer, in part because it is ‘plastic’ -- that is, it can change itself when we adapt or learn something new. An understanding of the causes of brain plasticity is an essential part of any quest to understand the brain in sickness and in health. This research uses a laser microscope to ‘read the minds’ of mice as they learn about odours. By observing plasticity in action, we will gain deeper insights into normal brain function.