It showed an intertwining of nerve cells budding in the part of the brain above the eyes, then during a period about half of the new fibers are trimmed away to create an efficient network of circuits. This happens in the part of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for functions such as goal setting, prioritizing, organization, planning and impulse inhibition. Part of the reason teens are not good at risk taking is because their brain isn't fully developed. The majority of alcoholics and smokers get started during their teens, and a quarter of all people with HIV contract it before the age of 21. Most of the research on brain development has been done on animals.
Adolescent rats show more interest than adults do when strange objects are put in their cages.
They explore more and jump from one activity to another, not able to focus their attention on any one activity for an extended period. Part II next week. Inc. All rights reserved.