Phantoms in the Brain, written by neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran and Sandra Blakeslee, delves into the intriguing world of neurology and human consciousness. The book presents a series of case studies on patients with bizarre neurological disorders, which help to shed light on the functioning of the brain. Ramachandran explores topics such as phantom limb pain, the brain’s adaptability, and what these phenomena say about human experience.
On Intelligence is a compelling treatise on the workings of the human brain and the future of intelligent machines. Written by Jeff Hawkins with Sandra Blakeslee, the book delves into the theory of neocortical processing to explain human intelligence and perception. Hawkins introduces the ‘Memory-Prediction Framework’, a model proposing that the brain is primarily a prediction machine, and intelligence is based on the ability to predict future events based on past experiences. The authors discuss the implications of this theory for the development of artificial intelligence and how future machines might emulate human thought processes.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey is a remarkable memoir by Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist who experienced a severe stroke at the age of 37. This book details her journey of recovery and the insights she gained into the workings of her brain and consciousness as she observed her own stroke as it happened. Taylor shares her experiences of the stroke’s immediate impact, her eight-year recovery process, and the profound understanding she gained about the human brain’s capacity for recovery and peace. This narrative not only explores the scientific aspects of stroke and recovery but also delves into Taylor’s personal transformation and her discovery of a newfound appreciation for life.
In ‘Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain’, Oliver Sacks explores the complex relationship between music and the human brain. Drawing upon clinical case studies, personal experiences, and scientific research, Sacks delves into how music can evoke emotions, trigger memories, and even alter the physical structure of the brain. He examines various phenomena, including the extraordinary abilities of savants, the therapeutic effects of music therapy, and the peculiar condition of musical hallucinations. This book offers a fascinating look at the myriad ways music intersects with neuroscience, psychology, and human life.
Move! by Caroline Williams explores the profound impact physical movement has on mental health. The book delves into various scientific studies and personal anecdotes to demonstrate how exercise influences brain chemistry, mood, and cognitive functions. It challenges the traditional mind-over-matter approach, presenting compelling evidence that our bodies significantly shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Williams uncovers how different types of physical activities, from running and dancing to simply moving more in our daily lives, can enhance well-being, reduce stress, and boost creativity and productivity.
In ‘Move’, neuroscientist Caroline Williams explores the fascinating connection between physical activity and brain health. Diving into the latest scientific research, she uncovers how different types of movement, from dance to martial arts, impact our mental processes, influence our happiness, and improve our cognitive abilities. The book presents a compelling argument for the importance of movement in our lives, not just for physical fitness but for mental well-being too.
In ‘A Thousand Brains: A New Theory of Intelligence’, Jeff Hawkins, the co-inventor of the Palm Pilot and founder of Numenta, presents a new theory of how the brain understands the world. Hawkins argues that the brain uses a multitude of reference frames (thousands of ‘mini-columns’ in the neocortex) to model objects of perception. He suggests that intelligence is a product of these models working together and that this framework could lead to the development of truly intelligent machines.
A Mind for Numbers, written by Barbara Oakley, is a practical guide to improving one’s ability to learn and excel in math and science, regardless of past experiences. The book dispels the common myth that being good at these subjects is a matter of innate talent rather than practice and strategy. Oakley, drawing from the latest research in neuroscience and her own experiences, presents techniques and approaches to learning that can enhance understanding and retention of mathematical and scientific concepts. These include tactics on tackling procrastination, methods to understand complex theories, and strategies for test taking. The book is not just about math and science; it serves as a handbook for effective learning in any subject.
A General Theory of Love’ is a book by Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini, and Richard Lannon. It delves into the complex nature of love and human emotions, drawing from various fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and biology. The authors explain how our deepest emotions are rooted in the limbic system of the brain and how these emotions shape our social connections. The book also discusses the interplay between emotional bonds and the physiological states of our bodies, examining the science behind human relationships.