Brain Bugs

September 26, 2011
Neurobiology professor Buonomano examines the functioning—and rather frequent malfunctioning—of the human brain, outlining the surprising ways the mind’s nodes, neurons, and synapses allow human beings to process, sort, remember, forget, and even ignore information. Intriguingly, narrator William Hughes is also a professor (of political science at Southern Oregon University) and brings some of that classroom experience to his compelling reading, verbally underscoring key phrases and definitions, pausing meaningfully between sections, and pacing himself like a college lecturer. The audiobook also includes a bonus disc of illustrations and extras. A Norton hardcover.

November 1, 2011

UCLA neurobiology and psychology professor Buonomano presents an interesting study of how and why our brains sometimes fail when we try to remember long lists of information, add large numbers, or make long-term decisions. While the intelligence of humans continues to evolve, our brains remain far from perfect, exemplified by unreliable memory manipulated by advertising, distrust of people different from us, and belief in superstitions and the supernatural. In explaining these "bugs," the author delves deep into the fascinating realm of the brain's innermost workings, using the identifiable metaphor of computer hardware and software. The focus on lay language helps to connect listeners with the author's research, which suggests that human successes, failures, joys, and sufferings are the product of protein interactions and electrical changes taking place inside the brain. Buonomano's heavily researched, highly specialized work is well read by Southern Oregon University political science professor William Hughes. While this title is best suited to students and faculty in clinical neuroscience fields, Buonomano still manages to make highly sophisticated brain research understandable to lay audiences interested in human behavior. [Includes a PDF of diagrams and illustrations from the text.--Ed.]--Dale Farris, Groves, TX

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