Neuroscience is
a rapidly expanding endeavor devoted to unraveling the structure and function
of the nervous system. It relies on, and keeps close relations to, a number of
other disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering,
computer science, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, medicine and
philosophy. Indeed, many of its recent successes result from the application of
ideas, concepts and methods borrowed from these fields. Thus, neuroscience has
become the archetype for interdisciplinary undertakings. This convergence of influences
accounts for part of its enormous attractiveness and fascination to students,
researchers and lay persons from various walks of life or science. Many of
neuroscience’s most creative and productive investigators have been lured into
the field not only by the excitement inherent in the possibility of uncovering
the secrets of the human mind, but by the appeal of venturing into a vast
unknown land, requiring the development of new tools for its effective
cultivation. Far from simply satisfying our intellectual curiosity, however,
neuroscience has become ever more important as a theoretical ground for
practical applications in medicine, in particular neurology, and other disciplines.
The explosion of
neuroscience has made it virtually impossible for individuals to follow all the
ramifications and fast developments in the many corners and branches of this
science. This Encyclopedia has therefore been designed for a wide variety of
readers, from members of the lay public to students, practitioners and
researchers in biology, medicine, psychology, sociology, philosophy and their
associated auxiliary fields. Moreover, it should also prove useful to advanced
researchers of biology and neuroscience who wish to stay abreast of current
developments outside their immediate areas of expertise.
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