Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Mirror Neurons- What are they


Mirror Neurons

Are motor neurons in the brain that have a role in controlling movement. These neurons are activated when a specific movement or action is observed in others and when that same movement or action is acted upon. For example a mirror neuronal system that fires when you raise your hand, is also activated when you see a person raise their hand.







Brief History
  • 1980's- Dr. Rizzollati first observed mirror neurons in macaque monkeys
  • 1990's- Mirror neurons were officially discovered by Dr. Rizzollati
  • 1995- The first study on mirror neurons was conducted on humans
  • present- studies on mirror neurons involve the use of neuro-imaging techniques such as functional magnetic-resonance imaging (fMRI) to better understand how the brain functions.


Citations

Winerman, L. (2005, October 1). The mind's mirror. Retrieved January 17, 2015, from http://www.apa.org/monitor/oct05/mirror.aspx


Pictures

Davila, J. (n.d.). Neuronas Especulares ("Mirror Neurons"). Retrieved January 14, 2015, from http://www.encuentros.uma.es/encuentros114/neuronas.htm

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Mirror Neurons



About this blog

The name Mirroring Intelligence reflects the belief that our human development is highly driven by the mirror system/mirror neurons in our brain because it has helped us develop language, behaviors, and our culture. We have learned many of our behaviors by observing others (peers, parents, siblings, media) in our environment and have gained some of our experiences through the experiences of others.  This blog will be about how we and other species mirror/mimic intelligence from others, but most importantly this blog will also include current life experiences, memoirs and reflections of a little person that has Down syndrome & Autism.  









Pictures

Davila, J. (n.d.). Neuronas Especulares ("Mirror Neurons"). Retrieved January 14, 2015, from http://www.encuentros.uma.es/encuentros114/neuronas.htm