NEUROSCIENCE SERIES

Our newest productions are part of an ongoing series focused on neuro-science as it relates to brain function. This important new group of films provides students with an introductory overview of a complex subject, and highlights groundbreaking work in various areas of study by several prominent brain researchers, including Drs. Susan Bookheimer, Helen Neville, Adele Diamond, Brian Knutson, and Dale Purves.

DISCOVERING THE HUMAN BRAIN: NEW PATHWAYS TO NEUROSCIENCE

With Susan Bookheimer, Ph.D.

Using the resources of the Brain Research Center at UCLA, this film illustrates the development of neuroscience, from its reliance on information from brain injuries and from autopsies, through to new insights discovered with electronic micro-scopes, EEG equipment, PET scans and MRI machines. These new means of exploring the brain have broadened and deepened the extent of research; each has its own uses and methodologies which are elaborated in the film.

Throughout DISCOVERING THE HUMAN BRAIN: New Pathways to Neuroscience, examples of actual research that utilize current technology are presented, including a study on the role of mirror neurons in autism and the mapping of language areas of a patient prior to surgery on a brain tumor. Thus, this film provides students with an understanding of the methodology and power of current research in neuroscience. With fresh animations and graphics, the film also reinforces basic information they have encountered in textbooks about the actions of neurons, specialized roles of certain regions of the brain and enables them to better comprehend the major breakthroughs neuroscience is making in discovering the functions of this truly amazing structure we all have under our scalps.

(2006)  Approx. 30 min.  $250.  View a sample clip from this film.  Go to the complete discussion of this film.

Visit our Support Materials section to view or download the Learning Guide and Discussion Topics for this film.

ISBN: 1-891340-48-4      

HUMAN BRAIN DEVELOPMENT: NATURE AND NURTURE

With Helen Neville, Ph.D.

The fascinating interplay of genetic predispositions and experience in the development of the brain after birth is demonstrated in HUMAN BRAIN DEVELOPMENT: Nature and Nurture, which was produced at the Brain Development Laboratory at the University of Oregon. The three profiles of plasticity are depicted: those systems that are constrained in plasticity very early in development like central vision, those systems that are plastic but only within certain time frames like learning the sound system of a language, and those systems in which plasticity continues throughout life such as vocabulary development. Compelling film sequences of behavioral, MRI, and EEG research into the development of visual perception and the various aspects of language acquisition from infancy through old age are also demonstrated.

A congenitally deaf young person, university students and lively preschool children participate in a series of controlled studies that illustrate how neuroscience research is achieved, and also how all brains change over time and circumstance. Practical advice for utilizing of sensitive periods and optimal specialization of brain areas make the learning of these important concepts meaningful to students.

(2006)  Approx. 30 min.  $250.  View a sample clip from this film.   Go to the complete discussion of this film.

Visit our Support Materials section to view or download the Learning Guide and Discussion Topics for this film.

ISBN: 1-891340-49-2     
 

NEW ADDITION TO OUR 'GIANTS' SERIES

JOHN BOWLBY: ATTACHMENT THEORY OVER GENERATIONS

With Howard Steele, Ph.D.

Scheduled for release in the latter part of 2007, the upcoming addition to our acclaimed series focused on the giants of psychology and education, is a film on John Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth's long-time colleague. The film is in the production stages now, and will feature Howard Steele, PH.D.

Positive intimate relationships with spouses, relatives and friends are incredibly important to mental health in adulthood. John Bowlby's Attachment Theory shows how relational patterns set early in life affect emotional bonds later in life. This film's focus will be on attachment theory as it explains many aspects of personality development from childhood through to adulthood.

The film is a companion piece to our very popular 2005 release on Bowlby's colleague, Mary Ainsworth, which was centered  largely on the development of attachment relationships in infancy. The new film will address issues related to attachment in later life as people seek to establish new ties and cope with separations and losses. Therapeutic applications of the theory as developed by Dr. Bowlby and others will be illustrated, along with new insights that neuroscience brings us to understand the legacy of attachment histories.

With Howard Steele, Ph.D.   (2007)  40 minutes  $250.  Go to the complete discussion of this film.

View a short clip from this film.

ISBN: TBA