Overview

The human brain is perhaps the most intricate and fascinating object in the known universe. Through a mysterious process, the activity of billions of neurons within a few pounds of matter generates the unfathomable complexity of the mind. This book is a conversational and accessible introduction to the brain. Beginning from basic elements of neuroscience, the acclaimed scientist Rafael Yuste guides readers through increasingly sophisticated topics. He describes how the brain is organized and how it develops, how neurons operate and form neural circuits, and how these circuits function as neural networks to generate behavior and mental states. Yuste challenges the traditional view that the brain is an input-output machine that reacts reflexively to sensory stimuli. Instead, he argues, the purpose of the brain is to make a predictive model of the world in order to anticipate the future and choose successful courses of action. He gives readers insight into the workings of sensory and motor systems and the neurobiological basis of our perceptions, thoughts, emotions, memories, and consciousness. Peppered with anecdotes and illustrated with elegant drawings and diagrams, this succinct book is accessible to readers without previous background in the subject. It is written for anyone seeking to grasp the core principles of neuroscience or looking for a fresh and clear perspective on how the brain works.

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9780231186476

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Reviews

Lectures in Neuroscience aptly conveys the excitement of a field of research that's continually opening up new vistas. Yuste's style is easygoing, conversational, and often witty. -- Ralph Greenspan, Associate Director, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, UC San Diego

Lectures in Neuroscience aptly conveys the excitement of a field of research that's continually opening up new vistas. Yuste's style is easygoing, conversational, and often witty. -- Ralph Greenspan, Associate Director, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, UC San Diego Rafael Yuste, a leading neuroscientist and early advocate of the BRAIN Initiative, presents his stimulating view of the fundamental organization of the brain: circuits that convert predictions into actions. Focusing on the mammalian cerebral cortex, and emphasizing repeating patterns across sensory perception, action, and cognition, Yuste is enthusiastic, conversational, and opinionated. It's a book I wish I had read when making the transition from molecular genetics to neuroscience. -- Cori Bargmann, Torsten N. Wiesel Professor, The Rockefeller University

Lectures in Neuroscience aptly conveys the excitement of a field of research that's continually opening up new vistas. Yuste's style is easygoing, conversational, and often witty. -- Ralph Greenspan, associate director, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, UC San Diego Rafael Yuste, a leading neuroscientist and early advocate of the BRAIN Initiative, presents his stimulating view of the fundamental organization of the brain: circuits that convert predictions into actions. Focusing on the mammalian cerebral cortex, and emphasizing repeating patterns across sensory perception, action, and cognition, Yuste is enthusiastic, conversational, and opinionated. It's a book I wish I had read when making the transition from molecular genetics to neuroscience. -- Cori Bargmann, Torsten N. Wiesel Professor, The Rockefeller University

Author Information

Rafael Yuste is professor of biological sciences and director of the NeuroTechnology Center at Columbia University. An expert on the function of the cerebral cortex, he also advocates for human rights protection of brain activity. Yuste is the chair of the NeuroRights Foundation and helped initiate the U.S. BRAIN Initiative and the International Brain Initiative.

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