Oxford Handbook of Developmental Behavioral Neuroscience

"The epigenetics of behavioral development (aka developmental psychobiology) has a deep and rich history that recently has been overshadowed by discoveries in molecular epigenetics. Although both enterprises seek to understand development, behavioral neuroscientists are concerned principally with the organization of organisms throughout the different stages of their life history. As such, it reveals more about how the individual is formed and functions than do studies that focus only at the level of the control and consequences of gene action. This volume brings together the latest efforts of the most important researchers who synthesize and integrate findings from different levels of biological organization in both animals and humans." - David Crews, Ashbel Smith Professor of Zoology and Psychology, Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin "This is an extremely valuable handbook that draws on a stellar group of authors who are integrating behavioral and neurobiological analyses to characterize the ontogeny of psychological capacities. It is clear from the wealth of information and range of topics covered in this book that the field of developmental behavioral neuroscience has matured to a highly productive research area. Coincidentally, because it has also become clear that many neurological and psychiatric disorders have their origins in the course of brain development, the value of this basic research field is immense. Therefore, this volume is a must read, both for the basic neuroscientists who are curious about the emergence of their favorite psychological faculty, and for translational neuroscientists who are looking for clues about where and how brain and behavioral development can go right or go awry." -Howard C. Eichenbaum, Prof. of Psychology and Director, Program of Neuroscience, Boston University "This comprehensive treatment of development draws on the traditions of neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, developmental psychology, and evolutionary biology to produce a volume that ranges from molecules to behavior. The editors have invited specialists to contribute 35 chapters that begin with the assembly of the nervous system and conclude with the development of language and communication. Covering both theoretical issues as well as an enormous range of empirical findings, this ambitious and unique volume will be valuable to the large and diverse community of researchers who concern themselves with the development of behavior and the development of the nervous system." - Larry R. Squire, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, Neurosciences, and Psychology, University of California-San Diego School of Medicine and Research Career Scientist, VA Medical Center, San Diego "The contributors to this volume have succeeded in bringing the recent challenges created by multi-level and multi-disciplinary approaches to bear on the field of Developmental Psychobiology. The result is a return to appreciating the role of the whole organism, which cannot be reduced to a simple unfolding of a genetic blueprint. In addition to its natural specialist audience in its own field, this book is important for all who wish to understand how the systems approach to biology is revolutionising both our concepts and our techniques." - Denis Noble, Professor, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Balliol College, Oxford University "How brains and behavior become built in development is a fundamental issue in behavioral neuroscience. Here Blumberg, Freeman, and Robinson have brought together an outstanding set of leading scientists in the field to write on the most interesting and important aspects of this issue. This book will be the authoritative reference on neurobehavioral development for many years to come. The authors treat a wide range of levels of analysis from genes to neural systems to complex psychological functions, and consider a diversity of creatures from invertebrates to birds, rodents, monkeys and humans. The fundamental questions for how brains arise and become able to generate complex behavioral patterns and psychological functions are addressed in this fine volume better than ever before." - Kent C. Berridge, Professor, Psychology Department and Neuroscience Program, University of Michigan "This is a truly extraordinary new volume on developmental behavioral neuroscience. To my knowledge it is a first. There are many books on developmental neuroscience but not with a strong emphasis on behavioral neuroscience. Indeed the field of behavioral neuroscience has now progressed to the point where such a treatment is necessary. This is a must read for all neuroscientists." - Richard Frederick Thompson, University Professor and William M. Keck Chair in Biological Sciences, University of Southern California "This is a comprehensive and detailed look at developmental behavioral neuroscience from a variety of perspectives and research methodologies. It will be an exceedingly constructive companion for researchers and students alike."--Doody's