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Paper

Cross-modal plasticity in cortical development: differentiation and specification sensory cortex, by Mriganka Sur, Sarah L. Pallas and Anna W. Roe.

WRT 40 minutes

Also

Visual behavior mediated by retinal projections directed to the auditory pathway, by Laurie von Melchner, Sarah L. Pallas and Mrganka sur.

WRT 20 minutes

Assignment

On a total of one side of one sheet of paper, using 10 pt type or larger, with standard interline spacing and margins, respond to all the following.

Imagine that a prominent Nobel Laureate, a molecular neurobiologist, has published a editorial in Technology Review stating that all support for research on early brain development in animals should be stopped on the following grounds:

• The structure and function of the brain are genetically determined.
• Therefore, molecular neurobiologists are best situated to determine how the brain works.
• Accordingly, all other approaches are waste of time and money.

You are horrified. Fortunately, the journal's editor has asked you to write a rebuttal to be published in the next edition.

• Write the rebuttal letter using Sur's research as the centerpiece of your argument.
• Because you do not assume the readers have read any of Sur's papers, include a VSN-C summary.
• Circle and label the VSN and the C.
• Be sure to include interesting details.