[Script Info] Title: [Events] Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text Dialogue: 0,0:00:14.63,0:00:16.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So how do we learn? Dialogue: 0,0:00:16.81,0:00:21.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And why does some of us learn things\Nmore easily than others? Dialogue: 0,0:00:21.44,0:00:24.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So, as I just mentioned,\NI'm doctor Lara Boyd. Dialogue: 0,0:00:24.62,0:00:27.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I am a brain researcher here\Nat the University of British Columbia. Dialogue: 0,0:00:28.25,0:00:31.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These are the questions that fascinate me. Dialogue: 0,0:00:31.15,0:00:34.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Cheers) (Applause) Dialogue: 0,0:00:35.46,0:00:38.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So brain research\Nis one of the great frontiers Dialogue: 0,0:00:38.73,0:00:41.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the understanding of human physiology, Dialogue: 0,0:00:41.24,0:00:45.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and also in the consideration\Nof what makes us who we are. Dialogue: 0,0:00:45.62,0:00:47.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's an amazing time\Nto be a brain researcher, Dialogue: 0,0:00:47.90,0:00:49.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I would argue to you Dialogue: 0,0:00:49.17,0:00:51.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that I have the most interesting job\Nin the world. Dialogue: 0,0:00:52.43,0:00:56.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What we know about the brain\Nis changing at a breathtaking pace. Dialogue: 0,0:00:56.33,0:00:59.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And much of what we thought we knew\Nand understood about the brain Dialogue: 0,0:00:59.54,0:01:02.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,turns out to be not true or incomplete. Dialogue: 0,0:01:03.43,0:01:06.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some of these misconceptions\Nare more obvious than others. Dialogue: 0,0:01:06.98,0:01:09.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For example, we used to think Dialogue: 0,0:01:09.58,0:01:14.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that after childhood the brain did not,\Nreally could not change. Dialogue: 0,0:01:14.07,0:01:18.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And it turns out that nothing\Ncan be farther than the truth. Dialogue: 0,0:01:18.02,0:01:19.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Another misconception about the brain Dialogue: 0,0:01:19.96,0:01:23.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is that you only use parts of it\Nat any given time Dialogue: 0,0:01:23.14,0:01:25.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and silent it when you do nothing. Dialogue: 0,0:01:25.72,0:01:27.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well, this is also untrue. Dialogue: 0,0:01:27.54,0:01:29.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It turns out\Nthat even when you're at a rest Dialogue: 0,0:01:29.76,0:01:33.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and thinking of nothing,\Nyour brain is highly active. Dialogue: 0,0:01:33.95,0:01:37.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So it's been advances\Nin technology, such as MRI, Dialogue: 0,0:01:37.24,0:01:40.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that's allowed us to make these\Nand many other important discoveries. Dialogue: 0,0:01:40.98,0:01:42.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And perhaps the most exciting, Dialogue: 0,0:01:42.60,0:01:45.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the most interesting\Nand transformative of these discoveries Dialogue: 0,0:01:45.62,0:01:49.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is that, every time you learn\Na new fact or skill, Dialogue: 0,0:01:49.35,0:01:51.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you change your brain. Dialogue: 0,0:01:51.58,0:01:54.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's something we call neuroplasticity. Dialogue: 0,0:01:54.65,0:01:58.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So as little as 25 years ago,\Nwe thought that after about puberty, Dialogue: 0,0:01:58.74,0:02:01.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the only changes that took place\Nin the brain were negative: Dialogue: 0,0:02:01.78,0:02:03.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the loss of brain cells with aging, Dialogue: 0,0:02:03.100,0:02:06.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,resulted damage, like a stroke. Dialogue: 0,0:02:06.64,0:02:09.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then, studies began\Nto show remarkable amounts Dialogue: 0,0:02:09.90,0:02:12.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of reorganization in the adult brain. Dialogue: 0,0:02:13.67,0:02:15.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And the ensuing research has shown us Dialogue: 0,0:02:15.84,0:02:19.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that all of our behaviors\Nchange our brain. Dialogue: 0,0:02:19.95,0:02:23.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That these changes are not limited by age, Dialogue: 0,0:02:23.02,0:02:24.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it's a good news right? Dialogue: 0,0:02:24.72,0:02:27.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And in fact,\Nthey are taking place all the time. Dialogue: 0,0:02:27.40,0:02:29.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And very importantly, Dialogue: 0,0:02:29.53,0:02:32.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,brain reorganization helps\Nto support recovery Dialogue: 0,0:02:32.40,0:02:34.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,after you damage your brain. Dialogue: 0,0:02:34.96,0:02:38.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The key to each of these changes\Nis neuroplasticity. Dialogue: 0,0:02:39.56,0:02:41.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So what does it looks alike? Dialogue: 0,0:02:41.20,0:02:44.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So your brain can change\Nin three very basic ways Dialogue: 0,0:02:44.20,0:02:45.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to support learning. Dialogue: 0,0:02:45.96,0:02:48.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And the first is chemical. Dialogue: 0,0:02:48.00,0:02:51.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So brain actually functions\Nby transferring chemicals signals Dialogue: 0,0:02:51.58,0:02:53.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,between brain cells,\Nwhat we called neurons, Dialogue: 0,0:02:53.71,0:02:57.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and this triggered series\Nof actions and reactions. Dialogue: 0,0:02:57.54,0:03:00.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So to support learning,\Nyour brain can increase the amount Dialogue: 0,0:03:00.27,0:03:03.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,through the concentrations\Nof these chemical signaling Dialogue: 0,0:03:03.46,0:03:06.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that's taking place between neurons. Dialogue: 0,0:03:06.46,0:03:09.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because this change can happen rapidly, Dialogue: 0,0:03:09.02,0:03:10.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this supports short term memory Dialogue: 0,0:03:10.98,0:03:15.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or the short term improvement\Nin the performance of a motor skill. Dialogue: 0,0:03:15.55,0:03:18.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The second way that the brain\Ncan change to support learning Dialogue: 0,0:03:18.80,0:03:20.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is by altering its structure. Dialogue: 0,0:03:21.38,0:03:25.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So during learning, the brain can change\Nthe connections between neurons. Dialogue: 0,0:03:25.49,0:03:28.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Here, the physical structure\Nof the brain is actually changing Dialogue: 0,0:03:28.75,0:03:30.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so this takes a bit more time. Dialogue: 0,0:03:30.90,0:03:33.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These type of changes are related\Nto long term memory, Dialogue: 0,0:03:33.69,0:03:37.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the long term improvement\Nin a motor skill. Dialogue: 0,0:03:37.04,0:03:41.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These processes interact,\Nand let me give you an example of how. Dialogue: 0,0:03:41.60,0:03:44.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We've all tried to learn\Na new motor skill, Dialogue: 0,0:03:44.74,0:03:46.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,maybe playing the piano, Dialogue: 0,0:03:46.38,0:03:48.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,maybe learning to juggle. Dialogue: 0,0:03:48.24,0:03:50.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You've had the experience\Nof getting better and better Dialogue: 0,0:03:50.92,0:03:53.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,within a single session of practice, Dialogue: 0,0:03:53.20,0:03:55.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and thinking "I have got it." Dialogue: 0,0:03:55.70,0:03:57.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then, maybe you return the next day, Dialogue: 0,0:03:57.84,0:04:01.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and all those improvements\Nfrom the day before are lost. Dialogue: 0,0:04:01.29,0:04:02.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What happened? Dialogue: 0,0:04:02.79,0:04:05.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well, in the short term,\Nyour brain was able to increase Dialogue: 0,0:04:05.83,0:04:08.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the chemical signaling\Nbetween your neurons. Dialogue: 0,0:04:08.59,0:04:13.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But for some reason, those changes\Ndid not induce the structural changes Dialogue: 0,0:04:13.48,0:04:16.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that are necessary\Nto support long term memory. Dialogue: 0,0:04:17.26,0:04:20.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Remember that\Nlong term memories take time. Dialogue: 0,0:04:20.59,0:04:23.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And what you see in the short term\Ndoes not reflect learning, Dialogue: 0,0:04:23.73,0:04:25.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's these physical changes Dialogue: 0,0:04:25.47,0:04:27.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that are now going to support\Nlong term memories, Dialogue: 0,0:04:27.85,0:04:31.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and chemical changes\Nthat support short term memories. Dialogue: 0,0:04:32.73,0:04:36.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Structural changes also can lead\Nto integrated networks of brain regions Dialogue: 0,0:04:36.88,0:04:39.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that function together\Nto support learning. Dialogue: 0,0:04:39.23,0:04:41.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And it can also lead\Nto certain brain regions Dialogue: 0,0:04:41.57,0:04:44.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that are important\Nfor very specific behaviors Dialogue: 0,0:04:44.21,0:04:46.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to change your structure or to enlarge. Dialogue: 0,0:04:46.81,0:04:49.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So here's some examples of that. Dialogue: 0,0:04:49.32,0:04:51.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,People who read Braille Dialogue: 0,0:04:51.20,0:04:56.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,have larger hand sensory areas\Nin their brain than those of us who don't. Dialogue: 0,0:04:56.62,0:05:00.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Your dominant hand motor region,\Nwhich is on the left side of your brain, Dialogue: 0,0:05:00.94,0:05:04.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,if you are right-handed,\Nis larger than the other side. Dialogue: 0,0:05:04.80,0:05:07.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And research shows\Nthe London taxi cab drivers Dialogue: 0,0:05:07.78,0:05:12.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who actually have to memorize a map\Nof London to get their taxi cab license, Dialogue: 0,0:05:12.42,0:05:17.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they have larger brain regions devoted\Nto spacial, or mapping memories. Dialogue: 0,0:05:17.81,0:05:20.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The last way that your brain\Ncan change to support learning Dialogue: 0,0:05:20.81,0:05:22.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is by altering its function. Dialogue: 0,0:05:23.68,0:05:25.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As you use a brain region, Dialogue: 0,0:05:25.55,0:05:29.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It becomes more and more excitable\Nand easy to use again. Dialogue: 0,0:05:29.31,0:05:32.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And as your brain has these areas\Nthat increase their excitability, Dialogue: 0,0:05:32.88,0:05:35.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the brain shifts\Nhow and when they are activated. Dialogue: 0,0:05:35.95,0:05:37.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,With learning, we see Dialogue: 0,0:05:37.60,0:05:41.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that whole networks of brain activity\Nare shifting and changing. Dialogue: 0,0:05:42.46,0:05:44.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So neuroplasticity is supported Dialogue: 0,0:05:44.38,0:05:48.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by chemical, by structural,\Nand by functional changes, Dialogue: 0,0:05:48.75,0:05:51.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and these are happening\Nacross the whole brain. Dialogue: 0,0:05:51.60,0:05:53.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They can occur in isolation\Nfrom one or another, Dialogue: 0,0:05:53.95,0:05:57.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but most often,\Nthey take place in concert. Dialogue: 0,0:05:57.34,0:05:59.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Together, they support learning. Dialogue: 0,0:05:59.66,0:06:02.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And they're taking place all the time. Dialogue: 0,0:06:04.17,0:06:08.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I just told you really\Nhow awesomely neuroplastic your brain is. Dialogue: 0,0:06:08.92,0:06:13.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Why can't you learn anything\Nyou choose to with ease? Dialogue: 0,0:06:13.10,0:06:16.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Why do our kids sometimes fail in school? Dialogue: 0,0:06:16.94,0:06:20.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Why as we age\Ndo we tend to forget things? Dialogue: 0,0:06:20.64,0:06:23.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And why don't people fully recover\Nfrom brain damage? Dialogue: 0,0:06:23.96,0:06:29.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That is: what is it that limits\Nand facilitates neuroplasticity? Dialogue: 0,0:06:29.40,0:06:31.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And so this is what I study. Dialogue: 0,0:06:31.41,0:06:35.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I study specifically how it relates\Nto recovery from stroke. Dialogue: 0,0:06:35.69,0:06:36.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Recently, stroke dropped Dialogue: 0,0:06:36.94,0:06:40.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from being the third leading cause\Nof the death in the United States Dialogue: 0,0:06:40.39,0:06:42.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to be the forth leading cause\Nof the death. Dialogue: 0,0:06:42.50,0:06:44.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Great news, right? Dialogue: 0,0:06:44.94,0:06:46.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But actually, it turns out Dialogue: 0,0:06:46.32,0:06:49.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that the number of people\Nhaving a stroke has not declined. Dialogue: 0,0:06:49.36,0:06:52.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We are just better at keeping\Npeople alive after a severe stroke. Dialogue: 0,0:06:53.30,0:06:58.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It turns out to be very difficult\Nto help the brain recover from stroke. Dialogue: 0,0:06:58.10,0:06:59.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And frankly, Dialogue: 0,0:06:59.37,0:07:03.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we have failed to develop\Neffective rehabilitation interventions. Dialogue: 0,0:07:05.43,0:07:09.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The net result of this\Nis that stroke is the leading cause Dialogue: 0,0:07:09.57,0:07:13.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of long term disability\Nin adults in the world; Dialogue: 0,0:07:13.74,0:07:15.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,individuals with stroke are younger Dialogue: 0,0:07:15.82,0:07:18.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and tending to live longer\Nwith that disability, Dialogue: 0,0:07:18.94,0:07:21.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and research from my group actually shows Dialogue: 0,0:07:21.14,0:07:25.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that the health related quality of life\Nof Canadians with stroke has declined. Dialogue: 0,0:07:26.46,0:07:28.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So clearly we need to be better Dialogue: 0,0:07:28.22,0:07:30.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,at helping people recover from stroke. Dialogue: 0,0:07:30.31,0:07:33.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is an enormous societal problem, Dialogue: 0,0:07:33.71,0:07:36.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and it's one that we are not solving. Dialogue: 0,0:07:36.65,0:07:38.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So what can be done? Dialogue: 0,0:07:38.94,0:07:41.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One thing is absolutely clear: Dialogue: 0,0:07:41.29,0:07:45.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the best driver of neuroplastic change\Nin your brain is your behavior. Dialogue: 0,0:07:46.62,0:07:50.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The problem is that the dose\Nof behavior, the dose of practice Dialogue: 0,0:07:50.33,0:07:53.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that's required to learn\Nnew and relearn old motor skills, Dialogue: 0,0:07:53.94,0:07:55.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is very large. Dialogue: 0,0:07:55.55,0:07:58.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And how to effectively deliver\Nthese large doses of practice Dialogue: 0,0:07:58.83,0:08:03.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is a very difficult problem;\NIt's also a very expensive problem. Dialogue: 0,0:08:03.21,0:08:05.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So the approach\Nthat my research has taken Dialogue: 0,0:08:05.39,0:08:09.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is to develop therapies that prime\Nor that prepare the brain to learn. Dialogue: 0,0:08:09.30,0:08:14.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And these have included brain simulation,\Nexercise, and robotics. Dialogue: 0,0:08:14.35,0:08:18.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But through my research,\NI've realized that a major limitation Dialogue: 0,0:08:18.22,0:08:21.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to the development of therapies\Nthat speed recovery from stroke Dialogue: 0,0:08:21.76,0:08:27.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is that patterns of neuroplasticity\Nare highly variable from person to person. Dialogue: 0,0:08:28.56,0:08:32.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As a researcher,\Nvariability used to drive me crazy. Dialogue: 0,0:08:32.60,0:08:35.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It makes it very difficult\Nto use the statistics Dialogue: 0,0:08:35.87,0:08:38.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to test your data and your ideas. Dialogue: 0,0:08:38.39,0:08:41.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And because of this,\Nmedical intervention studies are Dialogue: 0,0:08:41.35,0:08:45.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,specifically designed\Nto minimize variability. Dialogue: 0,0:08:45.09,0:08:48.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But in my research,\Nit's becoming really clear Dialogue: 0,0:08:48.34,0:08:52.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that the most important,\Nthe most informative data we collect Dialogue: 0,0:08:52.69,0:08:55.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is showing this variability. Dialogue: 0,0:08:56.57,0:09:00.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So by studying the brain\Nafter stroke, we've learned a lot, Dialogue: 0,0:09:00.97,0:09:05.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I think these lessons\Nare very valuable in other areas. Dialogue: 0,0:09:06.57,0:09:07.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The first lesson is Dialogue: 0,0:09:07.88,0:09:11.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that the primary driver of change\Nin your brain is your behavior, Dialogue: 0,0:09:11.97,0:09:15.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so there is no neuroplasticity drug\Nyou can take. Dialogue: 0,0:09:15.91,0:09:19.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Nothing is more effective than practice\Nat helping you learn, Dialogue: 0,0:09:19.37,0:09:23.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the bottom line\Nis you have to do the work. Dialogue: 0,0:09:23.84,0:09:25.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And in fact, my research has shown Dialogue: 0,0:09:25.59,0:09:30.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,increased difficulty, increased struggle\Nif you will, during practice, Dialogue: 0,0:09:30.77,0:09:32.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,actually leads to both more learning, Dialogue: 0,0:09:32.94,0:09:36.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and greater structural change\Nin the brain. Dialogue: 0,0:09:37.75,0:09:42.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The problem here is that neuroplastcity\Ncan work both ways. Dialogue: 0,0:09:42.52,0:09:45.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It can be positive,\Nyou learn something new, Dialogue: 0,0:09:45.34,0:09:47.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and you refine a motor skill. Dialogue: 0,0:09:47.93,0:09:51.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And it also can be negative though,\Nyou forgot something you once knew, Dialogue: 0,0:09:51.69,0:09:53.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you become addicted to drugs, Dialogue: 0,0:09:53.91,0:09:55.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,maybe you have chronic pain. Dialogue: 0,0:09:56.15,0:09:58.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So your brain is tremendously plastic, Dialogue: 0,0:09:58.62,0:10:03.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and it's been shaped both structurally\Nand functionally by everything you do, Dialogue: 0,0:10:03.32,0:10:06.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but also by everything that you don't do. Dialogue: 0,0:10:07.07,0:10:09.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The second lesson\Nwe've learned about brain Dialogue: 0,0:10:09.80,0:10:13.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is that there is\Nno one-size-fits-all approach to learning. Dialogue: 0,0:10:14.34,0:10:16.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So there is no recipe for learning. Dialogue: 0,0:10:16.59,0:10:20.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Consider the popular belief\Nthat it takes 10,000 hours of practice Dialogue: 0,0:10:20.52,0:10:23.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to learn and to master a new motor skill. Dialogue: 0,0:10:23.73,0:10:27.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I can assure you\Nit's not quite that simple. Dialogue: 0,0:10:27.07,0:10:28.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For some of us, Dialogue: 0,0:10:28.20,0:10:32.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it's going to take a lot more practice,\Nand for others it may take far less. Dialogue: 0,0:10:32.82,0:10:36.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So the shaping of our plastic brains\Nis far too unique Dialogue: 0,0:10:36.77,0:10:41.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for there to be any single intervention\Nthat's going to work for all of us. Dialogue: 0,0:10:41.24,0:10:46.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This realization has forced us to consider\Nsomething call personalized medicine. Dialogue: 0,0:10:46.26,0:10:49.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is the idea that to optimize outcomes Dialogue: 0,0:10:49.23,0:10:53.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,each individual requires\Ntheir own intervention. Dialogue: 0,0:10:53.01,0:10:55.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And the idea actually comes\Nfrom cancer treatments. Dialogue: 0,0:10:55.75,0:10:59.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And here it turns out that genetics\Nare very important in matching Dialogue: 0,0:10:59.34,0:11:03.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,certain types of chemotherapy\Nwith specific forms of cancer. Dialogue: 0,0:11:04.46,0:11:08.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,My research is showing that this\Nalso applies to recovery from stroke. Dialogue: 0,0:11:08.22,0:11:11.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There're certain characteristics\Nof brain structure and function Dialogue: 0,0:11:11.33,0:11:12.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we called biomarkers. Dialogue: 0,0:11:12.58,0:11:15.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And these biomarkers\Nare proving to be very helpful Dialogue: 0,0:11:15.17,0:11:17.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and helping us to match Dialogue: 0,0:11:17.09,0:11:20.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,specific therapies\Nwith individual patients. Dialogue: 0,0:11:20.96,0:11:24.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The data for my lab suggests\Nit's a combination of biomarkers Dialogue: 0,0:11:24.79,0:11:29.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that best predicts neuroplastic change\Nand patterns of recovery after stroke. Dialogue: 0,0:11:29.59,0:11:34.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's not surprising, given\Nhow complicated the human brain is. Dialogue: 0,0:11:34.17,0:11:38.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But I also think we can consider\Nthis concept much more broadly. Dialogue: 0,0:11:39.83,0:11:43.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Given the unique structure\Nand function of each of our brains Dialogue: 0,0:11:43.79,0:11:49.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what we've learned about neuroplasticity\Nafter stroke applies to everyone. Dialogue: 0,0:11:50.31,0:11:54.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Behaviors that you employ\Nin your everyday life are important. Dialogue: 0,0:11:54.80,0:11:57.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Each of them is changing your brain. Dialogue: 0,0:11:57.53,0:11:59.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I believe we have to consider Dialogue: 0,0:11:59.28,0:12:03.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not just personalized medicine\Nbut personalized learning. Dialogue: 0,0:12:03.36,0:12:05.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The uniqueness\Nof your brain will affect you Dialogue: 0,0:12:05.83,0:12:08.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,both as a learner and also as a teacher. Dialogue: 0,0:12:08.98,0:12:11.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This idea helps us to understand Dialogue: 0,0:12:11.94,0:12:15.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,why some children can thrive\Nin tradition education settings Dialogue: 0,0:12:15.74,0:12:17.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and others don't; Dialogue: 0,0:12:17.35,0:12:19.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,why some of us can learn languages easily Dialogue: 0,0:12:19.72,0:12:23.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and yet, others can pick up\Nany sport and excel. Dialogue: 0,0:12:25.33,0:12:28.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So when you leave this room today, Dialogue: 0,0:12:28.38,0:12:32.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,your brain will not be the same\Nas when you entered this morning. Dialogue: 0,0:12:32.89,0:12:35.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I think that's pretty amazing. Dialogue: 0,0:12:36.39,0:12:40.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But each of you is going to have changed\Nyour brain differently. Dialogue: 0,0:12:40.55,0:12:42.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Understanding these differences, Dialogue: 0,0:12:42.71,0:12:46.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,these individual patterns,\Nthese variability and change Dialogue: 0,0:12:46.34,0:12:49.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is going to enable\Nthe next great advance in neuroscience; Dialogue: 0,0:12:49.85,0:12:53.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it's going to allow us to develop\Nnew and more effective interventions, Dialogue: 0,0:12:53.60,0:12:57.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and allow for matches\Nbetween learners and teachers, Dialogue: 0,0:12:57.91,0:13:00.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and patients and interventions. Dialogue: 0,0:13:00.91,0:13:03.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And this does not just apply\Nthe recovery from stroke, Dialogue: 0,0:13:03.99,0:13:08.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it applies to each of us, as a parent,\Nas a teacher, as a manager, Dialogue: 0,0:13:08.49,0:13:12.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and also because you are\Nat TEDx today, as a lifelong learner. Dialogue: 0,0:13:13.44,0:13:16.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Study how and what you learn best. Dialogue: 0,0:13:16.90,0:13:20.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Repeat those behaviors\Nthat are healthy for your brain, Dialogue: 0,0:13:20.74,0:13:23.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and break those behaviors\Nand habits that are not. Dialogue: 0,0:13:24.45,0:13:25.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Practice. Dialogue: 0,0:13:26.08,0:13:30.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Learning is about doing the work\Nthat your brain requires. Dialogue: 0,0:13:30.49,0:13:34.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So the best strategies\Nare going to vary between individuals. Dialogue: 0,0:13:34.32,0:13:37.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You know what, they're even going\Nto vary within individuals. Dialogue: 0,0:13:37.54,0:13:40.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So for you, learning music\Nmay come very easily, Dialogue: 0,0:13:40.51,0:13:43.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but learning to snowboard, much harder. Dialogue: 0,0:13:44.48,0:13:46.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I hope that you leave today Dialogue: 0,0:13:46.29,0:13:49.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with a new appreciation\Nof how magnificent your brain is. Dialogue: 0,0:13:49.91,0:13:54.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You and your plastic brain are constantly\Nbeing shaped by the world around you. Dialogue: 0,0:13:54.68,0:13:57.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Understand that everything you do, Dialogue: 0,0:13:57.14,0:14:01.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,everything you encounter, and everything\Nyou experience is changing your brain. Dialogue: 0,0:14:01.66,0:14:05.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that can be for better,\Nbut it can also be for worse. Dialogue: 0,0:14:05.86,0:14:10.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So when you leave today,\Ngo out and build the brain you want. Dialogue: 0,0:14:10.33,0:14:11.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you very much. Dialogue: 0,0:14:11.55,0:14:13.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)