It’s incredible to uncover how our brain works, which once done, huge step for human beings. But still a ton of people who learn their second or third language not at the golden age can utilize the language freely as a native. When set in a place only the second language speaking, you’re pushed to learn and greater and faster improvement are made than only in language courses.

This proves how important it is to look after our babies and give them everything we possibly can to help them become happy adults. I’d like to take a moment to draw attention to Australia’s under-recognised childcare system. It always amazes me that people complain bitterly about the cost of child care, but it is this grossly underpaid industry that can ensure our babies get the best possible care available. Child care workers are highly trained in helping our babies learn, are taught the latest and greatest in cognitive development theory, and some of our babies spend up to a third of their time with carers. I don’t think our society praises these people enough for the great work they do. Child care is not a job for dummies, it’s probably one of the most important jobs out there.

here are some more figures on the critical period of language with colleagues following a discussion we had on this topic this morning and saw that it is in one of Patricia Kuhl’s papers here, if anyone is interested: www.life-slc.org/docs/Kuhl-brainmechanisms2010.pdf. It’s a fascinating article she wrote on this topic for Neuron Review.

IDEO’s David Kelley says that product design has become much less about the hardware and more about the user experience. He shows video of this new, broader approach, including footage from the Prada store in New York.

As founder of legendary design firm IDEO, David Kelley has helped design the icons of the digital generation — the first mouse, the Treo, the Leap chair. But equally important to him: Designing great places to work, learn and create. 

David Kelly has a good view into the needs of the user.

His firm, IDEO, has been able to push the role of product design deeper into companies. Getting companies to use the design process in more & more places. It helps every design person everywhere when IDEO promotes the value of the design process.

Vilayanur Ramachandran tells us what brain damage can reveal about the connection between celebral tissue and the mind, using three startling delusions as examples.

Mr. Ramachandan did an extraordinary presentation where he was able to use simple explanations – supported with examples – of how the human brain works. What really got my attention was the fact that boys are sexually attracted to their own mothers. I never thought on something like this. Even though, I believe there is no such thing as a sexual attraction to my own mother, it is intrusting to hear Mr. Ramachandan`s opinion about this. Also, I learned in this presentation that people that lost parts of their body can still feel pain for something that actually is not there anymore. I never though someone could feel their arm after having it amputated. Moreover he explains another aspect of our brains that I found fascinating; the fact that we are able to “trick“ our own brain. I never though in the idea of being able of doing experiments, like the mirror box, to alleviate the pain caused by patient`s phantom arm. This presentation clarified that everything that happens in our lives must pass through our brains, no matter what. In conclusion the presentation done by Mr. Ramachandan really made me revise my beliefs regarding the human brain. It is always good to have different perspectives of a subject considered unknown.