Why Learn Neuroscience?

by Prof M M Pant

We are all very curious by nature. We want to find meaning in what is going around us, and the organ that helps us in doing this is the brain. The brain is not isolated but highly interconnected and Neuroscience is the field that explores this.

While we are all born with a brain and use it all the time, even when we are sleeping, the education system does not consider it important enough for us to be taught about it in School, College or University. Only a few persons from the medical stream who pursue neurology or related specialisation are informed and aware of this most important human organ.

It is important to enhance awareness about the brain, and to dispel many neuromyths reinforced by folklore. The most important benefit would be to achieve better learning, if we took into account the features of the nervous system in design of the learning interventions, especially to enhance self-learning. 

Some questions to ponder:

• Do you know how you feel the world around you and how you carry out your actions?

• Do you know how emotions cause people to change their minds?

• Why do diseases such as depression, mania, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's emerge when the regulation of emotions, thoughts and actions is distorted?

Yes, all of these topics and innumerable more about our life are in the scope of Neuroscience research.

What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary science that combines physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, developmental biology, chemistry, philosophy, computer science, mathematics, linguistics and medicine. The major branches of neuroscience include affective neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, developmental neuroscience, molecular and cellular neuroscience, neurophysiology, neurolinguistics and neuroinformatics. In a word, neuroscience is the scientific study of the structure and function of the human brain and nervous system. Neuroscientists study the cellular, functional, behavioral, evolutionary, computational, molecular, cellular, and medical aspects of the nervous system, which contains billions of cells called neurons, or nerve cells.

Currently, one of the great challenges of modern neuroscience is to map out all the networks of cell-to-cell communication—the brain circuits that process all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The resulting picture, emerging bit by bit, is known as "the connectome." The ability of the brain to elaborate new connections and neuronal circuits—neuroplasticity—underlies all learning.

Why is Neuroscience Important?

The nervous system not only works to produce thoughts, emotions, and behavior, but also controls important body functions, like breathing. Just as computers are hard-wired with electrical connections, the brain is hard-wired with neural connections. These connections link together its various lobes and also link sensory input and motor output with the brain's message centers, allowing information to come in and be sent back out. Actually, one major aim of neuroscience research is to study how this wiring works and what happens when it's damaged.

Moreover, neuroscience affects many human functions, but it also contributes to a better understanding of a wide range of common conditions, such as Down syndrome, autistic spectrum disorders, ADHD, addiction, schizophrenia, brain tumors, Parkinson's disease and immune system disorders.

Learning neuroscience can be valuable for several reasons:

1. Understanding the brain: Neuroscience allows you to explore the intricate workings of the brain, which is one of the most complex and fascinating organs in the human body. By studying neuroscience, you can gain insights into how the brain processes information, controls behavior, and regulates bodily functions.

2. Advancing scientific knowledge: Neuroscience is a rapidly evolving field with ongoing research and discoveries. By learning neuroscience, you can contribute to the expanding body of knowledge and potentially make groundbreaking discoveries that advance our understanding of the brain and its disorders.

3. Exploring cognition and behavior: Neuroscience provides insights into how the brain underlies various cognitive processes such as perception, attention, learning, memory, decision-making, and language. It can help you understand the biological basis of behavior and mental processes, leading to applications in areas like psychology, education, and artificial intelligence.

4. Improving health and well-being: Neuroscience research has direct implications for understanding and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. By studying neuroscience, you can contribute to the development of new therapies, interventions, and approaches to improve the lives of individuals affected by conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, and schizophrenia.

5. Interdisciplinary connections: Neuroscience intersects with other fields like biology, psychology, computer science, philosophy, and medicine. By learning neuroscience, you can develop a multidisciplinary perspective and foster collaborations across different disciplines, leading to innovative approaches and solutions.

Overall, learning neuroscience can provide a deeper understanding of the brain's complexities and contribute to scientific progress, health advancements, and our understanding of what it means to be human.