How Do Nature and Nurture Shape the Brain and What Does This Mean for Cognition?

Sofie Valk

Scientists have long debated the extent to which nature and nurture shape who we are. In this video, SOFIE VALK seeks to cast light on this debate. Employing methods including neuroimaging techniques, twin and genotype samples, comparison with primate brains and machine learning, Valk argues that both genetic and environmental factors shape the human brain, impacting human thoughts and feelings. Her research helps to identify biological rules describing how the structure of the human brain can support human cognition. Such rules have important applications to understand mental health and disease, and may help understand how brain and behaviour interact.