Dr. Jaya Viswanathan wrote and illustrated her new book to get children excited about neuroscience and the natural world
CHEVY CHASE, Md., June 26, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Throughout millions of years, the nervous system has evolved to perform the function of interpreting the world in various animal species, based on the unique challenges they faced in different environments. Drawing simultaneously from contemporary research on sensory and perceptual mechanisms, as well as historical documentation of the anatomy of sensory systems, author Dr. Jaya Viswanathan provides a window into the marvels of sensory perceptions that appeal to both children and curious adults.
In "Baby Senses: A Sensory Neuroscience Primer for All Ages," Viswanathan highlights 16 systems that span the traditional five human senses, internal sensory systems that help animals maintain internal stability, and exotic systems like those that enable animals to sense electrical and magnetic fields or see polarized light.
"As a neuroscientist and STEAM educator," said Viswanathan, "I am passionate about highlighting the marvels of how brains have evolved to solve complex problems to a non-technical audience."
Viswanathan painted all the neuroscience illustrations included in her book to help portray a world normally only accessible through a microscope. The artwork features an array of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects that help to demonstrate the idea that an individual's unique abilities and quirks make them special, and that there is beauty in diversity of thoughts and actions.
"I've tried to highlight misunderstood, scary and slimy animals' 'super-powers," said Viswanathan. "My goal is to encourage curiosity, lessen fear, and develop an appreciation of the beauty and diversity in the animal kingdom."
"Baby Senses: A Sensory Neuroscience Primer for All Ages"
By Dr. Jaya Viswanathan
ISBN: 9781665737159 (softcover); 9781665737166 (hardcover); 9781665737142 (electronic)
Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the author
Dr. Jaya Viswanathan is a neuroscientist and artist, born and raised in India. She earned a masters in neuroscience from the University of British Columbia, Canada, and a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Toulouse, France. Her research has been focused on understanding how brains interpret the world through vision and audition. She currently works at the Division of Neuroscience at the National Institute on Aging where she is a KGS contractor supporting programmatic efforts aimed at achieving the research goals of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. To learn more, please visit https://babysensesbook.com.
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