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What did you learn from the mysterious workings of the adolescent brain?

What did you learn from the mysterious workings of the adolescent brain?

In her remarkable TED Talk, “The Mysterious Workings of the Adolescent Brain,” cognitive neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore compares the prefrontal cortex in adolescents to that of adults, to show us how typically “teenage” behavior is caused by the growing and developing brain.

How the brain develops during adolescence?

In adolescence, a fundamental reorganization of the brain takes place that continues into the beginning of the third decade of life. Adolescent brain development is characterized by an imbalance between the limbic and reward systems, which mature earlier, and the not yet fully mature prefrontal control system.

What information about the brain has led scientists to believe that adolescents use a different cognitive strategy to make social decisions?

The brain area called the medial pre-frontal cortex is more active in adolescents when they make decisions than it is in adults — which suggests that adolescents really do use a different mental approach to make social decisions.

How old is Sarah Blakemore?

Sarah-Jayne Blakemore

Sarah-Jayne Blakemore FBA FRSB
Born 11 August 1974
Education Oxford High School
Alma mater University of Oxford (BA) University College London (PhD)
Children 2

What happens to GREY matter in adolescence?

Gray matter decreases during adolescence, by about 1.5% a year (1; Figure 2B). However, this decrease is not a bad thing! The decrease in gray matter is thought to be related to the fine-tuning of connections between brain cells, and also related to the increase in the other tissue in the cerebrum: the white matter.

What is Shakespeare saying about teenage risk taking behavior?

So there’s a famous quote by Shakespeare from “The Winter’s Tale” where he describes adolescence as follows: “I would there were no age between ten and three-and-twenty, or that youth would sleep out the rest; for there is nothing in the between but getting wenches with child, wronging the ancientry, stealing, fighting …

What is unique about the adolescent brain?

The teen brain has lots of plasticity, which means it can change, adapt, and respond to its environment. Challenging academics or mental activities, exercise, and creative activities such as art can help the brain mature and learn.

What have Fmris taught researchers about the adolescent brain?

Many fMRI studies have also shown changes in brain functionality across adolescence. For example, how we use areas of the brain involved in understanding other people changes between adolescence and adulthood6. This is especially true for “the social brain”.

Where was Sarah Jayne Blakemore born?

Cambridge, United KingdomSarah-Jayne Blakemore / Place of birth

Who is Blakemore?

Research Summary. Sarah-Jayne Blakemore is Professor of Psychology at the University of Cambridge, UK, and leader of the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Group. Her group’s research focuses on the development of social cognition and decision making in the human adolescent brain, and adolescent mental health.

What is unique about the teen brain?

What are the three most important structural changes in the brain during adolescence?

During adolescence hormonal and neurodevelopmental changes geared to ensure reproduction and achieve independence are very likely mediated by growth of neural processes, remodeling of synaptic connections, increased myelination in prefrontal areas, and maturation of connecting subcortical regions.

Does Romeo and Juliet reflect teenage behavior?

The behaviors portrayed in Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare are very similar to the behaviors of the average teenager today. The teenage brain takes years to become fully developed which is why teens make impulsive decisions, express new emotions, and have rebellious behaviors as shown in Romeo and Juliet.

Is Romeo and Juliet a reflection of the youth in today’s society?

Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet depicts the lives of two lovers and the events of their lives as they hide their love from their parents. The personalities, attitudes, and emotions of Romeo and Juliet mimic those of teenagers today. These similarities occur in the way Romeo and Juliet and teens today act.

Why is adolescence so difficult?

Adolescence is called a difficult or a crucial stage because this is a stage of transformation both in physical and psychological development. During this stage teens has to overcome multiple transformations.

What helps the teenage brain function well?

Discussing the consequences of their actions can help teens link impulsive thinking with facts. This helps the brain make these connections and wires the brain to make this link more often. Remind your teens that they’re resilient and competent.

What changes occur in the brain during teenage years?

Adolescence is a time of significant growth and development inside the teenage brain. The main change is that unused connections in the thinking and processing part of your child’s brain (called the grey matter) are ‘pruned’ away. At the same time, other connections are strengthened.

What has recent research revealed to us about the development of the adolescent brain?

Recent advances in technology and research have led to the ability to “see inside” the adolescent brain; these studies indicate that the brain, not hormones, is responsible for teens’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.