In Episode 33 of the Brain Science Podcast, Harvard’s Dr. John Ratey introduced us to brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which he described as “Miracle Grow for the Brain” because it actually stimulates the grow of new neurons in the brain. The emphasis in our discussion was on the importance of exercise in stimulating the release of BDNF.
If you are interested in checking out some further references on BDNF you may want to check out Charles Daney’s Science and Reason Blog. Daney also does a good job of explaining exactly what a neurotropic factor is and does.
Filed under: Neuroscience, brain science, Other links, blogs to check out Tagged: | brain science podcast, brain science, Ginger Campbell, MD, John Ratey, exercise and the brain, Charles Daney, Science and Reason, brain-derived neurotropic factor, BDNF
Thanks for this link. The explanation was helpful to me in understanding BDNF. This research in neurogenesis makes for an exciting time for the Down Syndrome community. I think that we will see an entirely different prognosis for babies with DS in the not too distant future. I discuss some of that here.
Thanks for this link. The explanation was helpful to me in understanding BDNF. This research in neurogenesis makes for an exciting time for the Down Syndrome community. I think that we will see an entirely different prognosis for babies with DS in the not too distant future. I discuss some of that here: http://einsteinsyndrome.wordpress.com/2008/04/11/fascinating-stuff-on-neurogenesis/