Lateralized Brain Functions

This volume explores both simple and sophisticated techniques used in the study of different types of lateralization of brain and behavior. Research in this field increases our understanding of various brain functions in humans, other vertebrate species, and invertebrates. The book is divided into five parts: behavioral methods; neurobiological methods; electroencephalographic, imaging, and neuro-stimulation methods; genetic techniques; and development of lateralization. Part I addresses measuring lateralization by scoring behavior induced by inputs to one or the other side of the brain in a range of species. Part II covers neurobiological methods used to reveal lateralization, such as lesion studies, electrophysiology and pharmacology, early gene expression, and new optogenetic methods. Part III looks at imaging techniques, electroencephalographic techniques, and transcranial stimulation to reveal lateralization. Part IV describes techniques used to study the role of genes in the development and establishment of brain asymmetry in humans and other species. Lastly, Part V refers to methods used in the study of development of lateralization through the manipulation of sensory exposure, hormone levels, and in model systems. In Neuromethods series style, chapters include the kind of detail and key advice from the specialists needed to get successful results in your own laboratory.

Cutting-edge and thorough, Lateralized Brain Function: Methods in Human and Non-Human Species is a valuable resource for investigating lateralization in a broad range of species and provides excellent advice for both new and veteran researchers.

****

Includes cutting-edge methods and protocols Provides step-by-step detail essential for reproducible results Contains keynotes and implementation advice from the experts

Inhalt

Tachistoscopic Viewing and Dichotic Listening.- Split-Brain Human Subjects.- Eye and Ear Preferences.- Olfactory Lateralization.- Hand, Limb and Other Motor Preferences.- Lateralization in Invertebrates.- Unilateral Lesions.- Pharmacological Agents and Electrophysiological Techniques.- Tract Tracing and Histological Techniques.- Brain Mapping Using the Immediate Early Gene Zenk.- Optogenetic Methods to Study Lateralized Synaptic Function.- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.- Electroencephalographic Asymmetries in Human Cognition.- Non-Invasive Imaging Technologies in Primates.- Imaging Techniques in Insects.- Genetics of Human Handedness and Laterality.- Genetic and Transgenic Approaches to Study Zebrafish Brain Asymmetry and Lateralized Behavior.- Methods to Study Nervous System Laterality in the Caenorhabditis elegans Model System.- Manipulation of Strength of Cerebral Lateralization via Embryonic Light Stimulation in Birds.- Effects of Steroid Hormones.- Reversals of Bodies, Brains and Behavior.