Neural Development Research

Neural development research studies how the brain and nervous system grow and form connections from conception through childhood and beyond. It explores processes like the growth of nerve cells (neurons), how these cells find their targets, and how they establish communication networks. Understanding neural development helps identify how the brain learns, adapts, and sometimes develops disorders. Researchers use various tools—imaging, experiments, and models—to uncover the mechanisms guiding this complex process, with the goal of improving treatments for neurological conditions and enhancing cognitive health across the lifespan.