This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Jennifer Groh, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University. After an inspiring story about how she became interested in neuroscience, this extensive conversation examines Jennifer Groh’s extensive research on how the brain combines various streams of sensory input to determine where things are, together with the corresponding implications for a wide range of issues, from neuroplasticity to evolutionary mechanisms.

This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Framing Evolution, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:

1. From Ticks to Brains - Becoming a neuroscientist


2. Historical Background - On the shoulders of giants


3. Frames of Reference - Integrating sensory systems


4. Mysterious Overlap - Fitting the pieces together


5. Smell - An overlooked sense?


6. Brain maps - Making a picture


7. Ice Cream Cones and Multiplexing - Same neurons, different functions?


8. Navigating Rats - Place fields and memory


9. Neuroplasticity - Phantom limbs, cochlear implants and feedback


10. Evolutionary Mechanisms? - Repeat performance?


11. The Road Ahead - Testing neurons for contrast

About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series (100 books):

Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. Howard Burton holds a PhD in physics and an MA in philosophy, and was the Founding Director of Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.