The brains of blind people reorganize differently than previously thought

The development of the human brain is one of the most complex biological processes.

During the first years of life, enormous changes take place in the brain that help optimize its functioning.

In the first year alone, the surface area of the cerebral cortex increases by about three-quarters, while its thickness grows by roughly one-third.

At the beginning of development, the brain creates far more connections between neurons than it actually needs.

Over the course of life, frequently used connections are strengthened, while others are eliminated in a process called pruning. ...