Lasting habits I think you should build or Neuroplasticity 101

Welcome to the Neuroplasticity episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the incredible adaptability of the brain and what it means for learning, healing, and growth. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind neuroplasticity and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the story of JJ, a boy who was born missing key brain structures but still outperformed his peers academically. We use his story to explore how the brain can rewire itself under extraordinary conditions and what that means for you. I also discuss the role of social interaction, sleep, oxytocin, exercise, and gut health in shaping brain function. Whether you're navigating a personal challenge, looking to boost your cognitive abilities, or simply want to understand how resilient your brain really is, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research.

Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place.

Further reading and references:

Zhao, J.-L., Jiang, W.-T., Wang, X., Cai, Z.-D., Liu, Z.-H., & Liu, G.-R. (2020). Exercise, brain plasticity, and depression. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 26(9), 885–895. https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.13395 Damiani, F., Cornuti, S., & Tognini, P. (2023). The gut-brain connection: Exploring the influence of the gut microbiota on neuroplasticity and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuropharmacology, 109491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109491 Rojczyk, A., Dziewanowska, A., & Maryniak, A. (2020). When the brain looks imperfect: An example of neuroplasticity as seen in a patient with arachnoid cysts—a case study. Frontiers in Neurology, 11, 567. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00567 Gulyaeva, N. V. (2017). Molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity: An expanding universe. Biochemistry (Moscow), 82(3), 237–242. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0006297917030013 Balouch, S., Rifaat, E., Chen, H. L., & Tabet, N. (2019). Social networks and loneliness in people with Alzheimer’s dementia. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 34(5), 666–673. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.5063 Ma, Y. H., Wang, Y. Y., Tan, L., et al. (2021). Social networks and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 81(1), 263–272. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-201202 Sachdev, P. S. (2022). Social health, social reserve, and dementia. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 35(2), 111–117. https://doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0000000000000762 J Neurosci. (2021). Enriched environment promotes adult hippocampal neurogenesis through FGFRs. Journal of Neuroscience, 41(13), 2899–2910. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2415-20.2021 Enriched environment increases neurogenesis and improves social memory persistence in socially isolated adult mice. Journal: Unspecified. Neurobiology of Aging. (2023). Adulthood cognitive trajectories over 26 years and brain health at 70 years of age. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.112386 Leuner, B., Caponiti, J. M., & Gould, E. (2012). Oxytocin stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis via oxytocin receptor expressed in CA3 pyramidal neurons. Nature Communications, 8(1), 537. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-00764-3 Sanchez-Vidaña, D. I., & Chan, A. M. (2012). Oxytocin stimulates adult neurogenesis even under conditions of stress and elevated glucocorticoids. Hippocampus, 22(4), 861–868. https://doi.org/10.1002/hipo.20942 Sleep. (2021). Adult hypothalamic neurogenesis and sleep-wake dysfunction in aging. Sleep, 44(2), zsaa173. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsaa173 Wang, L. Y., et al. (2017). Sleep and hippocampal neurogenesis: Implications for Alzheimer's disease. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 45, 35–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.12.002 Schoch, H., et al. (2019). Memory consolidation during sleep and adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Neural Regeneration Research, 14(1), 20–23. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.243697 Koehl, M., & Abrous, D. N. (2015). Sleep and adult neurogenesis: Implications for cognition and mood. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, 25, 151–181. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2014_308