Great Myths of the Brain [Hardcover]

Great Myths of the Brain introduces readers to the field of neuroscience by examining popular myths about the human brain.

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• Explores commonly-held myths of the brain through the lens of scientific research, backing up claims with studies and other evidence from the literature
• Looks at enduring myths such as Do we only use 10% of our brain?, Pregnant women lose their mind, Right-brained people are more creative and many more.
• Delves into myths relating to specific brain disorders, including epilepsy, autism, dementia, and others
• Written engagingly and accessibly for students and lay readers alike, providing a unique introduction to the study of the brain
• Teaches readers how to spot neuro hype and neuro-nonsense claims in the media

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Introduction 1

1 Defunct Myths 15

#1 Thought Resides in the Heart 15

#2 The Brain Pumps Animal Spirits Round the Body 18

#3 Brain Cells Join Together Forming a Huge Nerve Net 21

#4 Mental Function Resides in the Brains Hollows 22

2 Myth-Based Brain Practices 25

#5 Drilling a Hole in the Skull Releases Evil Spirits 25

#6 Personality Can Be Read in the Bumps on the Skull 28

#7 Mental Illness Can Be Cured by Disconnecting the Frontal Lobes 30

3 Mythical Case Studies 37

#8 Brain Injury Turned Neurosciences Most Famous Case into an Impulsive Brute 37

#9 The Faculty of Language Production Is Distributed Through the Brain 40

#10 Memory Is Distributed Throughout the Entire Cortex 45