Image Source - TEDTalks - YouTube

Instructions
Use the following sources to help you learn about this topic and complete your Guided Notes.

• Video - "The mysterious workings of the adolescent brain" by Sarah-Jayne Blakemore (15min)

Guided Notes
Answer the following prompts/questions in your notes.

• What advances in technology have allowed neuroscientists to study brain development across the lifespan?
• What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in brain development during adolescence?
• ​How does brain development during adolescence impact behavior and decision-making?

Video Summary

MagicSchool.AI (created 1/5/2024)

• 15 years ago, it was widely assumed that brain development takes place primarily in the first few years of life. However, with the advent of brain imaging technology such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuroscientists have been able to look inside the living human brain and track changes in brain structure and function across the lifespan.
• Structural MRI allows researchers to take high-resolution snapshots of the brain and analyze changes in gray matter volume as individuals age. Functional MRI (fMRI) captures brain activity while participants engage in various tasks, providing insights into cognitive functions such as decision-making, planning, social interaction, and self-awareness.
• One of the brain regions that undergoes dramatic development during adolescence is the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in decision-making, inhibiting inappropriate behavior, and social interaction. Gry matter volume in the prefrontal cortex increases during childhood, peaking in early adolescence, and then undergoes a significant decline, reflecting synaptic pruning or the elimination of unwanted synapses.
• Another line of inquiry involves using fMRI to track changes in brain activity across age. Research has shown that the medial prefrontal cortex, located in the midline of the head, is more active in adolescence compared to adulthood during social decision-making tasks.
• Adolescence is defined as the period of life that begins with the biological changes of puberty and ends when an individual attains a stable independent role in society. It is a time of heightened risk-taking, poor impulse control, and self-consciousness. However, these behaviors are not to be stigmatized but rather understood as reflections of changes in the developing brain, which offers an excellent opportunity for education and social development.
• It is worth noting that adolescence is not a recent phenomenon; it has been described throughout history, including by Shakespeare. The developing adolescent brain is adaptable and malleable, making it a crucial period for learning and creativity. However, access to education remains a challenge for many teenagers worldwide, as 40% do not have access to secondary school education.
• In conclusion, advancements in brain imaging technology have revolutionized our understanding of brain development, revealing that it continues throughout adolescence and into the 20s and 30s. This knowledge has significant implications for education, rehabilitation, and interventions during this critical period of life.