Power of the Baby Brain

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Speaker: Takao Hensch, Ph.D., Joint Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School at Boston Children’s Hospital, and Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard’s Center for Brain Science
Location:
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Fortis Lecture Hall 200 Shire Way Lexington, MA 01421
Cost: Free; $5 suggested donation at the door

We have much to learn from infants. Early experience enduringly shapes the brain, creating windows of great opportunity and vulnerability. Dr. Hensch’s work has focused on the biological basis of such critical periods. Strikingly, their timing can be either accelerated or delayed regardless of actual age—a condition seen in neurodevelopmental disorders. Closure of critical periods in turn reflects an active process, rather than a purely passive decay. Lifting such “brakes” allows the reopening of plastic windows in adulthood, while rendering neural circuits unstable in disease states. Understanding how brain plasticity and stability are naturally balanced throughout life offers new insight into mental illness and novel therapeutic strategies for the recovery of function in adulthood.

This event is free of charge, but pre-registration is required—no walk-ins can be permitted at this event.

Light refreshments will be available at no charge.