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Song Learning in Birds Offers a Model for Neuronal Replacement in Adult Brain

  • Chapter
Neurogenesis in the Adult Brain I

Abstract

The discovery of neurogenesis in adult canaries came as a surprise because it was found in a context where it had not been contemplated, the study of vocal learning. To everybody’s disbelief, the new, spontaneously produced neurons replaced numerically others that had died, a process of spontaneous brain self-repair or rejuvenation. I will describe how these discoveries came about and how they have helped us understand the natural history of neurogenesis and neuronal replacement in adult brain. Adult neurogenesis may also shed light on a basic issue of brain function: what limits learning?

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  1. The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Fernando Nottebohm

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  1. Department of Histology and Neuroanatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan

    Tatsunori Seki Ph.D. (Professor) (Professor)

  2. Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan

    Kazunobu Sawamoto Ph.D. (Professor) (Professor)

  3. Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place 5021 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Jack M. Parent M.D. (Associate Professor) & Arturo Alvarez-Buylla Ph.D. (Professor) (Associate Professor) &  (Professor)

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Nottebohm, F. (2011). Song Learning in Birds Offers a Model for Neuronal Replacement in Adult Brain. In: Seki, T., Sawamoto, K., Parent, J.M., Alvarez-Buylla, A. (eds) Neurogenesis in the Adult Brain I. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-53933-9_2

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