We hear about a woman with an artificial arm controlled by her mind, read stories about the creative potential of "right-brain" and "left-brain" people, and watch science fiction films featuring characters with implanted mind chips. Yet few of us understand the science behind these and other visionary advances being made today in brain research. Leading neuroscientists and scholars have charted the stream of new findings in Scientific American and Scientific American Mind, and their articles from the past eight years, compiled here in a comprehensive volume, offer diverse and provocative perspectives on various cutting-edge brain science projects.

Scientific American, the oldest continuously published magazine in the United States, has long been the standard bearer of science journalism, and the brain science articles published in its pages offer unparalleled insights into the world of neuroscience. The expert articles assembled here, divided into three sections, reveal the latest developments of brain research in a compelling and wholly readable fashion and explore the range of fields and topics now included under the umbrella of neuroscience.

Consciousness and creativity are the focus of the "Mind" section, which features such compelling essays as science writer Carl Zimmer's examination of how the brain creates a sense of self. Steven E. Hyman, Harvard Provost and former director of the National Institute of Mental Health, proposes new ways of diagnosing psychiatric disorders in "Matter," a section that also features articles on psychological disorders, addictions, and other topics related to the interaction between body and brain. And "Tomorrow's Brain" reveals the intriguing future potential of man-machine interactions, as well as pioneering new methods of brain treatment. Eminent neuroscientist Floyd E. Bloom also contributes an engaging introduction that situates these pieces on the front lines of brain research.

In today's technologically driven world, our lives are changing faster than ever, and neuroscience is becoming an integral part of that transformation. Best of the Brain from Scientific American gathers the very best writings on this sea change, providing an invaluable guide to the exhilarating possibilities of neuroscience.

"Well written and accessible to a general audience, these 21 articles from Scientific American since 1999 provide insight into our current state of knowledge about the human brain. Floyd, past president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and former editor of its flagship journal, Science, is ideal to make this selection. In the first section, 'Mind,' about high-level brain functions, Nobel laureate Eric Kandel argues that we are now poised to turn 'mind' from a philosophical concept into a scientific one. The next section, 'Matter,' deals primarily with disorders of the brain and how, for example, researchers hope to devise effective treatments and better understand the healthy brain. The final section, 'Tomorrow's Brain,' envisions a time when prosthetic devises might be controlled by thought alone, when artificial retinas are commonplace and when humans and machines merge into what could only be described as a new entity — a future that may not be so far off. Miguel Nicoleli and John Chapin show how Belle, an owl monkey, working with a microwire array implanted on the surface of her brain, moves an artificial arm merely by thinking of making it move. There's much to stimulate the brain of any reader. 30 color illus. (June)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Bloom (emeritus, neuropharmacology, Scripps Research Institute, California) introduces 21 brain-related articles drawn from Scientific American and Scientific American Mind issues from 1999 to 2006. They reflect then state-of-the-art perspectives by leading authorities in the field on the mind (e.g., creativity, the brain-mind relationship); matter (the senses, psychological disorders); and "tomorrow's brain" (new treatments, brain-machine merging). Articles include quality illustrations and further reading. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"The past two decades have brought amazing breakthroughs in our understanding of the human brain....Best of the Brain is an irresistible guide to this new territory." Oliver Sacks, M.D., author of Awakenings and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat

"Best of the Brain is an exploration of mind and matter by some of the best in the brain business. I can't think of a better place to get a crash course on what we know about brain function and what's coming down the road." Joseph LeDoux, New York University and author of The Emotional Brain and Synaptic Self

"[An] outstanding overview of recent and emerging developments in the field since 1999." Library Journal

Floyd E. Bloom, MD, is chairman emeritus of the Department of Neuropharmacology at the Scripps Research Institute, past president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and former editor-in-chief of Science. He is also the author of twenty-five books.