Question

Who is Elizabeth Gould, and how did her research affect the accepted understanding of the brain?

Answer 1

Hint: Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are generated in the brain. During development, the neural stem cells give rise to neurons. However, in certain regions of the brain, nerve cells continue to develop even after birth.

Complete answer:
Elizabeth Gould is an American neuroscientist born in the year 1962. She extensively worked on adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus region of the brain. She tried to understand the relationship between stress and adult neurogenesis. She revealed that even though stress caused the death of cells in the hippocampus and ultimately its degeneration, the brain also could heal itself. Her groundbreaking discoveries challenged the taboos in the field of neuroscience and hence were controversial. However, her research proved the existence of new neurons in the regions of cognitive function. Her further investigations brought to light the work of Michael Kaplan who used the electron microscope to view the neurons giving birth.

Earlier work in neurogenesis strongly emphasized that neurogenesis was not possible. Pasko Rakic was one such scientist who believed in that theory and thus many in favor of him dismissed Elizabeth and her ideas on neurogenesis. Nevertheless, she confronted them and continued to publish papers. Ultimately, Rakic and the scientific community that supported him admitted that neurogenesis was real.

Note: Her work and her constant determination to prove her work backed up with scientific pieces of evidence helped many neuroscientists to understand the brain and its functions better. She continues to be an inspiration for many who work hard to challenge and break myths in Science.