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Related Concept Videos

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.

Brain Imaging

Brain Imaging

Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...

Plasticity

Plasticity

Plasticity is the property where an object loses its elasticity and undergoes irreversible deformation, even after the deformation forces are eliminated. If a material deforms irreversibly without increasing stress or load, then this is called ideal plasticity. For example, when a force is applied to an aluminum rod, it changes its shape, but it does not return to its original shape once the force is removed. Plastic deformation or ductility is thus a permanent deformation or change in the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Standardized Induction and Assessment of Long-term Potentiation-like Cortical Plasticity Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Standardized Induction and Assessment of Long-term Potentiation-like Cortical Plasticity Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Published on: November 7, 2025

Harnessing neuroplasticity for clinical applications.

Steven C Cramer¹, Mriganka Sur, Bruce H Dobkin

¹Department of Neurology, UC Irvine Medical Centre, 101 The City Drive South, Bldg 53, Rm 203, Orange, CA 92868-4280, USA. scramer@uci.edu

Brain : a Journal of Neurology

|April 13, 2011

Summary

Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize, offers therapeutic potential but requires better interventions. Integrating research across disciplines can translate findings into effective clinical treatments for various neurological conditions.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Clinical Research
Translational Science

Background:

Neuroplasticity is the nervous system's capacity to reorganize structure, function, and connections in response to stimuli.
Despite advances, few neuroplasticity-based interventions are established for clinical use.
Translating neuroplasticity research into practice is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

To advance the translation of neuroplasticity research into clinical applications.
To identify cardinal examples, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications of neuroplasticity.
To explore strategies for reducing human disability through neuroplasticity interventions.

Main Methods:

A 2009 workshop sponsored by the National Institutes of Health Blueprint for Neuroscience Research convened basic and clinical researchers.
Discussions covered central nervous system injury/stroke, mental/addictive disorders, paediatric/developmental disorders, and neurodegeneration/ageing.
Identified common themes and promising therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

Promising therapies include brain stimulation and neuropharmacological interventions to enhance learning.
Iterative collaborations across disciplines can improve understanding of adaptive mechanisms.
Common themes across conditions include experience dependence, time sensitivity, and the importance of motivation and attention.

Conclusions:

Improved assessment methods and biomarkers are needed to predict and monitor treatment response in humans.
Integrating knowledge across disciplines is crucial for translating neuroplasticity research into effective clinical therapies.
Understanding neuroplasticity variations across diverse conditions can guide therapeutic development.