Mora Leeb was 9 months old when surgeons removed half her brain. Now 15, she plays soccer and tells jokes. Scientists say Mora is an extreme example of brain plasticity, the process that allows a brain to modify its connections to adapt to new circumstances.
Brain plasticity is thought to underlie learning, memory and early childhood development. It's also how the brain revises its circuitry to help recover from a brain injury — or, in Mora's case, the loss of an entire hemisphere. This episode, NPR science correspondent Jon Hamilton explains how Mora's recovery is changing the way neuroscientists think about the brain's ability to rewire itself after a stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Read more of Jon's reporting.
Listen to Short Wave on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
Science in your everyday got you puzzled? Overjoyed? We've love to hear it! Reach us by emailing [email protected].
This episode was produced by Brit Hanson, edited by Rebecca Ramirez and fact-checked by Jon Hamilton. Special thanks to Amina Khan.
This episode was produced by Brit Hanson and edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Jon Hamilton checked the facts. Stacey Abbott was the audio engineer.
2024-12-26 00:201188 view
2024-12-25 23:42911 view
2024-12-25 22:551160 view
2024-12-25 22:29563 view
2024-12-25 22:12997 view
2024-12-25 21:59182 view
"Vanderpump Rules" star James Kennedy has been arrested for domestic violence.In a statement to USA
Whitney Port, former star of "The Hills" recently vowed to maintain her health amid worries from her
We independently selected these products because we love them, and we hope you do too at these price