Twitter feed from NPR:
Yesterday (Oct 13) NPR reported on the success former amputee Dave Savage is having in adapting to his new hand transplant. Do notice, the term “adaptation” here points to the capacity of Savage’s brain (and central nervous system) to remodel neural networks in order to operate his new hand.
Courtesy of Jewish Hospital, Kleinert Kutz and University of Louisville
Savage’s story is rather touching, to say the least, and puts a kinder, human face on the harrowing Silver Spring monkeys epic that pushed neuroscience into the study of neuroplasticity and neurogenesis.
For NPR’s report on the neural implications of Savage’s hand transplant, go to:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95593579
For the story of the Silver Spring Monkeys , see Sharon Begley’s discussion in TRAIN YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR BRAIN, or Jeffrey Schwartz and Sharon Begley’s narrative in THE MIND AND THE BRAIN.
And for readers of SpaceSuit Yoga, the implications: The lessons of neuroplasticity are so far-reaching as to push us all to rethink and recontextualize our work, our creativity, our lives with respect to the innate power of our brains.
Wonders never cease!
Dr. G.
Spacesuit Yoga 