This book is based on an in-depth, filmed 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:

I. From Ticks to Brains - Becoming a neuroscientist

II. Historical Background - On the shoulders of giants

III. Frames of Reference - Integrating sensory systems

IV. Mysterious Overlap - Fitting the pieces together

V. Smell - An overlooked sense?

VI. Brain Maps - Making a picture

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

VIII. Navigating Rats - Place fields and memory

IX. Neuroplasticity - Phantom limbs, cochlear implants and feedback

X. Evolutionary Mechanisms? - Repeat performance?

XI. The Road Ahead - Testing neurons for contrast

About Ideas Roadshow Conversations: Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.