Summary: A new study reveals that the thalamus, long overshadowed by the cortex and hippocampus, plays a crucial role in shaping and updating brain connections. Researchers observed plasticity in thalamic neurons in response to visual experiences, independent of the cortex—an unexpected finding.
These changes, especially pronounced during development but also present in adults, may offer a new target for treating neurodevelopmental disorders. By focusing on the thalamus, therapies could influence brain-wide connectivity more efficiently and potentially enhance cognitive outcomes.
Key Facts:
- Independent Plasticity: The thalamus can rewire its own connections without input from the cortex.
- Developmental Sensitivity: Thalamic plasticity is most prominent early in life but still possible in adulthood.
- Therapeutic Potential:…