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Using MEG, we can start to understand how the developing regions of infant brains begin to coordinate and network together. Baby Emma is a young research participant in the MEG machine. She sits quietly, as she watches a person wave toys to keep her engaged. As she sits, she is listening to language sounds through tiny headphones. All the while, the MEG is giving a readout of what parts of little Emma’s brain are active. With MEG we gain a rare glimpse into the dynamic brain of a growing, learning child.
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- Axon
- output fiber of a neuron
- Cell body
- the neuron's processing center
- Dendrites
- input fibers of a neuron
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
- a non-invasive brain imaging technique used to determine which regions of the brain are active
- Neurons
- cells located in the brain and throughout the body that are specialized to communicate messages
- Pruning
- the process of removing excess synapses
- Sensitive period
- a time in development when the brain is especially ready to learn a skill
- Synapse
- connection point between neurons