VS Ramachandran: The neurons that shaped civilization | Video on TED.com

Neuroscientist Vilayanur Ramachandran outlines the fascinating functions of mirror neurons. 

Only recently discovered, these neurons allow us to learn complex social behaviors, some of which formed the foundations of human civilization as we know it. 

Neurologist V.S. Ramachandran looks deep into the brain’s most basic mechanisms. By working with those who have very specific mental disabilities caused by brain injury or stroke, he can map functions of the mind to physical structures of the brain.

VS Ramachandran: The neurons that shaped civilization

“Here is this three-pound mass of jelly you can hold in the palm of your hand, and it can contemplate the vastness of interstellar space. It can contemplate the meaning of infinity and it can contemplate itself contemplating on the meaning of infinity.” — on the human brain

Related themes

• How We Learn
• Evolution's Genius
• Unconventional Explanations
• How the Mind Works

Related tags

• Biology
• Brain
• Cities
• Cognitive science

• Evolution
• Neurology
• Science

Source:
VS Ramachandran: The neurons that shaped civilization | Video on TED.com

 http://www.ted.com/talks/vs_ramachandran_the_neurons_that_shaped_civilization.html