Brain plasticity and mental health: An overview

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No other human organ has astounded and stumped scientists as much as the human brain. More complex than the greatest supercomputer in the world, the human brain still holds countless mysteries for researchers and scientists to unlock. Peter Max.

However, every once in a while, there are breakthroughs in brain research that make it even more intriguing. Take for instance brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity. Peter Max.

Brain plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change throughout the course of a person’s life. This means that the central nervous system can adapt, given external stimulation. It has even been theorized that the brain may heal itself after an injury.

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The first time a brain experiences changes is during the start of a person’s life. It continues to organize itself to cope with the developments of a human being. However, when the brain gets injured and mental health is at risk, brain plasticity helps the organ compensate for lost functions. After all, it’s a fact that the brain never stops learning. And, ultimately, changing. Peter Max.

Brain plasticity is based on the process of synaptic reorganization, wherein damaged neural connections are either repaired or new connections are formed. However, a good number of neuro-researchers agree that external stimulation is needed for recovery or development. This process is further being looked into, as scientists believe it can be the key to treating patients with mental health conditions such as dementia and schizophrenia. Peter Max.

The history behind the New York Knicks

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The National Basketball Association was founded on June 6, 1946, 55 years after basketball was invented. At the time, the league was composed of 30 teams, including the Knicks. But back then, they were still known as the Knickerbockers. According to long-time Knicks fan Peter Max, there is a rich history behind this beloved franchise.

Among those present during the founding of the NBA was Ned Irish, the president of Madison Square Garden and a retired sportswriter. Initially, Max Kase wanted to lease Madison Square Garden and own the New York franchise of the NBA. But with the same goal and far more resources, the franchise was awarded to Irish.

To get the ball rolling, the Irish held a staff meeting to find a name for the team. The term Knickerbockers came up, which was the pseudonym used by Washington Irving in his book, "A History of New York." They found this name fitting and began the team. Its first fixture was St. John’s University basketball coach Joe Lapchick. But according to Peter Max, Lapchick asked to stay at St. John’s for one more year before joining the team full-time.

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Because it was the first year of the NBA, there had been no subsequent college drafts of any kind. This is why the team management assembled 25 talents to attend a three-week-long boot camp. With twice a day practice, the chemistry between the players grew. Soon enough, they were ready for their first game.

According to Peter Max, the first game of the franchise, as well as the NBA, would be the Knickerbockers against the Toronto Huskies at the Maple Leaf Gardens on Nov. 1, 1946. With a score of 68-66, New York became the first team to win an NBA game.