Contrary to popular belief, researchers from the University of Cambridge and Johns Hopkins University argue that the brain does not possess the ability to rewire itself to compensate for sensory or motor deficits such as blindness, amputation, or stroke. In an article published in eLife, Professors Tamar Makin and John Krakauer challenge the notion that the brain can reorganize and repurpose specific regions for new functions, asserting that the brain is instead trained to utilize latent abilities. They examine ten seminal studies suggesting brain rewiring and argue that these studies actually demonstrate the brain’s adaptability rather than creating entirely new functions in unrelated areas. The researchers emphasize the importance of understanding the true nature and limits of brain plasticity for realistic expectations in patient care and rehabilitation strategies.
The Brain Does Not Rewire Itself
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