Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

With the ever-advancing technology and state of art research in the world of modern medicine, what has been described as “Biological Psychiatry” may be more appropriately referred to as “Behavioral Neuroscience.” Over the most recent decades, scientists and research pioneers have attempted to better understand the underlying mechanisms of behavior and its relationship to neuronal structure and function. Behavioral neuroscientists use three approaches to understand the relationship between brain and behavior: somatic intervention, behavioral interventions, and correlation – all of which are introduced and explained in the text. In Behavioral Neuroscience, 8th Edition, the authors have organized a text with the requisite fundamental knowledge of neuroscience and its relationship to behavioral patterns. New findings have been included with a succinct, detailed, well-delineated structure. Six-hundred newer literature sources and over 1,300 new links pertaining to behavioral neuroscience from the past couple of years are cited in this edition.

The contents of Behavioral Neuroscience are organized in a coherent and thoughtful manner. The text is divided into six parts with more specific chapters therein, namely: “Part I: Biological Foundations of Behaviors,” “Part II: Evolution and Development of the Nervous System,” “Part III: Perception of Action,” “Part IV: Regulation and Behavior,” “Part V: Emotions and Mental Disorders,” and “Part VI: Cognitive Neuroscience.” Part I introduces the fundamental groundwork for the latter sections and describes neuroanatomy, intrinsic hormone functioning, and neurophysiology. Part II focuses on the developmental stages of the brain and consequent related behavioral pattern changes throughout the life span. Part III addresses perception and behavioral activation with emphasis on general principles of sensory processing, sensations, motor control, and plasticity. Part IV details the intrinsic regulatory function such as the hormonal and neural basis of sexuality, internal homeostasis, and other biological rhythms. Part V explores the biological basis of some pathological behaviors and related bio-physiological changes in emotions, and effects on stress and aggression levels. Part VI details and discusses the association of neurophysiology with higher executive functions such as learning and memory, attention and higher cognition, and language and lateralization.

Innovative new findings are well-integrated and described throughout the text. For example, Chapter 2 highlights the growing concerns that the algorithms guiding fMRI analysis may be faulty and compares different types of functional brain imaging. Chapter 7 reviews new brain scanning methods to visualize tau pathology as well as amyloid for screening for Alzheimer’s disease. Chapter 13 contains a discussion of new evidence that long-lasting metabolic changes work against permanent weight loss and for the intrigued reader, even provides an in-depth introduction of Fecal Microbiota Transplant. Chapter 17 outlines the growing consensus for a dual-process model of human memory that distinguishes between familiarity and recollection.Compared with previous editions, the new 8th Edition provides a broader perspective of the field, including new revolutionary findings and technological breakthroughs in neuroscience.

Continuing the practice of the previous edition, each chapter ends with a section called “The Cutting Edge,” wherein the most exciting examples of recent research are discussed, followed by a “Visual Summary,” wherein vivid graphic reminders are presented to review the principle findings. For example, Chapter 19 illustrates what is described as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and describes studies that have used a special type of PET scan to investigate misfolded tau proteins and how this interferes with functioning in a similar fashion as to that seen in Alzheimer’s disease. Chapter 8 talks about important new insights in pain mechanisms revealed by the study of scorpion venom. Each chapter begins with a vignette, relating someone’s real-life experiences that will be better understood as the content of the chapter unfolds.

A section denoted “Step Further” is a collection of online supplements that can be found throughout the text, and the “Recommended Reading” section at the close of each chapter further guides the reader to valuable external sources. The appendix illustrates some fundamental concepts and important technologies such as western blot, genomic replication, and polymerase chain reaction. This section enables readers who are not familiar with the basic principles a succinct, detailed overview of the relevant neuroscience, and provides a concise, detailed review of these principles for those well-versed in neurosciences.

Behavioral Neuroscience, 8th Edition, offers readers a well-delineated, thoughtful, and complete review of all aspects of neuroscience, with specific focus on underlying neuronal structure and its relation to function and behavior. It is notable that the text reviews in-depth scientific literature, research evidence, and is most geared towards individuals who have both research and clinical backgrounds. Conversely, clinicians with limited neuroscience background may find it difficult to interpret some of the cited studies and information. The focus on innovative findings within a well-organized structure provides fundamental knowledge for researchers and medical (especially mental-health) professionals. The thorough discussion of related psychiatric conditions and relevant behavioral neuroscience literature will especially benefit clinicians who are hoping to understand the underlying neurobiological basis for emotional and behavioral issues that warrant clinical attention. In closing, the text is an excellent, well-organized, detailed yet concise, pertinent review of relevant behavioral neuroscience and is highly recommended for clinician-scientists well versed in the neurosciences.