Among the many complications and researches already prevalent in the field of Biology, the most complex and crucial remains the human brain. Though it is responsible for arousing debates and arguments, it still remains a very important and interesting concept. Rebecca Shansky, assistant professor of Psychology at the Northeastern University states the fact of the brain consisting of 100 billion neurons and several hundred trillion synapses. She studies the structure of neurons and how synapses or communications between them can drive various behaviours.
She observed that there are some differences in the structures of neurons which can initiate in developing effective strategies for the treatment of various behavioural disorders like PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Her study aims towards the goal of determining the structural differences between males and females with specific relevance to fear. She says, “Apparently females are two times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder than males”.
The process of her study involves looking at things like the number of spines of a vulnerable animal’s neurons as compared to a resilient one. By observing the size and shape of the neurons, the structural differences or variations and the causes of particular behaviours can be observed. It is through this observation that she will be able to answer questions like, “How does normal stress after a tragedy differs from PTSD?” and “What makes some vulnerable and others “super resilient?”
The brain is constantly in the process of changing. This state of flux is responsible for the changes in neurons. As a result of our experiences, the already complicated brain changes and adds to its complications. This is why the shapes and sizes of our neurons change. It is this changing structure that will help Shansky in observing the varied causes and consequences in the differentiated behaviours between males and females.
Akshara Palshetkar
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