Scientist Spotlight

Neuroscientists and other brain specialists are taking great forward strides in understanding the brain and using that understanding to improve lives. These articles shine a spotlight on scientists who are breaking new ground in the study of the brain and how it can change for better or worse.

Richard Frackowiak, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Neurology, University College London
Dr. Frackowiak studied the brains of London’s taxi drivers—and what he found is that their constant navigational practice resulted in physical changes in their brains. Their hippocampi are actually larger than in most people. The implications for training the brain are enormous.

Alice Cronin-Golomb, Ph.D.
Director, Vision and Cognition Laboratory, Boston University
Dr. Cronin-Golomb’s work studies the relationship between vision and Alzheimer’s disease, and finds some simple solutions to complex problems.

Albert “Skip” Rizzo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, University of Southern California
Dr. Rizzo uses a virtual reality computer program to treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. His research highlights one of the most important advances in neuroscience: the increasing use of computers in non-invasive therapies for better brain health.