Cognitive Development
In A Conversation with Robert Sapolsky, the interviewee discusses the role that stress hormones play on neurons in the brain, and how they might affect the onset of Alzheimers or stress patients. His first goal in research is to understand this connection, and in his own words he states, I am trying to understand, on a cellular level, how one class of hormones released during stress can damage neurons, and what that has to do with which of us have lots of brain damage after a stroke or seizure, or who succumbs to Alzheimers (Brain Connection, n.d.). His focus is on that part of the brain used in learning and memory, and his aim is to see how stress impacts the nervous system.
Once understanding that relationship between stress hormones and neurons in the brain, Sapolsky wants to focus on saving the neurons from damage due to stress-related factors....
One way he is attempting to see if he can save neurons is through gene therapy. Specifically, he states that we are attempting to deliver genes into neurons around the time of crisis to see if we can actually save a neuron (Brain Connection, n.d.). His hope is that this experimentation will yield positive results in the field. He notes that he wishes there were a way...
…argues that a colony of ants makes total sense when you look at it but that a single ant by itself makes no senseand Sapolsky states that the same can be said about the nervous system. He comes across as a very down to earth researcher, particularly when he describes his
family and his
love of the pianoalthough he has no time to play anymore. There is a sensitivity about him that is quite intriguing and human, and it is his humanity perhaps that makes him so appreciative of the intriguing mysteries of
nature. I agree with his outlook on the world and the role that research can play…
