Uncategorized

The brain and the banjo

Posted by:

Bluegrass legend Eddie Adcock had brain surgery last month to correct an essential tremor — an uncontrollable shaking that left him unable to play the banjo. During the surgery, he stayed awake to give feedback while surgeons prodded his brain, looking for the exact spot to stimulate to control the tremor. His method of feedback during surgery? He played the banjo. Astonishing footage from the BBC is here, or watch a news report from Good Morning America below:

Looking for more amazing tales from the brain? Watch Vilayanur Ramachadran‘s TEDTalk on the journey to the center of your mind; or Christopher deCharms‘ real-time fMRI of the brain in motion; or Jill Bolte Taylor‘s powerful stroke of insight.