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BRAIN: The Complete Mind
How It Develops, How It Works, and How to Keep It Sharp
WASHINGTON (Nov. 3, 2009)—Think of what your brain is doing as you are reading this: Billions of neurons are utilizing countless synapses to process the words and make you aware of what's happening around you, all while simultaneously controlling every emotion, breath, blink and heartbeat. How something so complex operates so smoothly has fascinated scientists for centuries. Now, a new book from National Geographic explores the many mysteries of the brain, providing insights into how your mind operates and strategies for keeping it healthy and active.
BRAIN: How It Develops, How It Works, and How to Keep It Sharp (National Geographic Books; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0547-7; Nov. 19, 2009; $40; hardcover), by Michael S. Sweeney, is a state-of-the-art reference to the body's command center as well as a manual for everyday living that gives direction on how to keep the brain flexible and young.
Overseen by distinguished neurologist Richard Restak, M.D., the book includes nine thoroughly researched chapters that cover the anatomy, myriad functions and amazing capabilities of this most complex organ that still has many secrets to reveal.
"Thanks to new and safer technologies... we've learned more about the brain during the last 20 years than the previous 500. Yet our knowledge is still limited," Restak writes in his foreword to the book. "Neuroscientists are feverishly pursuing the so far elusive goal of an overarching explanation of how the brain works. But here's one of the most inspiring insights about the brain: We can enhance our brain's performance by our own efforts. Thus learning about the brain provides a wonderful mix of instruction, amazement, and self improvement. As you gain knowledge, you're in a better position to improve its functioning and thereby increase the quality of your life."
This comprehensive book takes readers to the place where consciousness originates, every motion is governed and memories form. It explains the many functions and facets of the brain, from how the nervous system develops in the womb and how we learn and communicate to how emotions register in the brain and the inevitable changes that occur with time and age.
Lively, engaging text and hundreds of full-color photographs appear alongside a wealth of special features, from fact boxes that explain how optical illusions work and show how many neurons you have, to sidebars that document key breakthroughs such as how a dream led to the discovery of neurotransmitters, to practical tips and strategies, like how playing video games, practicing meditation and eating certain foods can help keep your brain sharp, focused and vibrant throughout your life.
"Fast fact" features throughout the book provide fascinating bits of information, such as "In social situations, the French touch each other about 200 times in a half hour. Americans do so twice." and "Adolescents who take medication for ADHD cut their risk for subsequent alcohol use by two-thirds." History sidebars reveal the stories behind historical neuroscience beliefs and the men and women who shaped them, while what-can-go-wrong sidebars discuss what happens to the brain when an injury or illness occurs, various treatments and current research. A comprehensive glossary is included in every chapter.
"BRAIN is that rarest of treasures: an easily readable book on a difficult and complex subject that is understandable, encompassing, entertaining, and just fun plain to read," writes Restak. "For the reader new to the subject, BRAIN provides a valuable and rewarding introduction. Those who are already 'hooked' on the subject will find a marvelous compendium of the current state of our knowledge, as well as provocative suggestions about the future direction of brain research."
Author Michael S. Sweeney is a professor in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. He has written three books about wartime journalism and is acknowledged as an expert on wartime censorship in America. He has written several books for National Geographic, including "National Geographic Complete Survival Manual."
Richard Restak, M.D., is clinical professor of neurology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He has served on many national advisory councils for brain research and has been a consultant on NBC's "Today" show. He is the bestselling author of 18 books, including "Think Smart: A Neuroscientist's Prescription for Improving Your Brain's Performance."
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Contacts:
Chandra Teitscheid
National Geographic
202-828-6678
cteitsch@ngs.org
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