My name is Parsa Talaie, and I’m a neuroscience major at Columbia University. Today, I
will be discussing what I consider to be the most important scientific breakthrough: the discovery
of the neuron.
In the middle of the 19th century, anatomist Josef von Gerlach incorrectly concluded that
the brain was a single network, with no individual parts. This idea was known as “reticular
theory”, and quickly became widely accepted. For dozens of years, all experiments were
conducted assuming that the brain was just another simple muscle. This prevented us from
learning about the importance of neurochemistry and caused misinterpretations of neural toxins.
Thus, the study of the brain was stagnant for many years. However, a Spanish investigator by
the name of Santiago Ramon y Cajal was about to revolutionize all of science.
In 1888, by combining the new “black reaction” technique with a high-power microscope,
Cajal discovered that the human brain consisted of brownish-black bodies resembling inkblots,
which he would later name neurons. Cajal reported his findings in the landmark text, “The
Neuron Doctrine”, which consists of 4 key points:
1. The neuron is the structural and functional unit of the brain
2. The brain is not a single meshed network, but rather countless individual cells with
independent functions
3. The neuron consists of dendrites, soma, and axons
4. The neuron uses electrical impulses to communicate.
This discovery provided the foundation for modern neuroscience and inspired a golden
age of research.
Immediately, the knowledge of neurons and their anatomy helped scientists determine
the core characteristics of the brain. The first documented references to neuroplasticity, IQ, and
many other basic properties are found right after Cajal’s discovery.
Furthermore, scientists used the newfound knowledge of neuro electricity to invent EEG
devices that measure activity in the brain. As a result, we gained a deeper understanding of
brain diseases such as Parkinson's and started on the path to curing neurodegenerative
conditions such as dementia.
In addition, knowing the cellular nature of the neuron helped scientists find that cancer is
reliant on signals and nourishment from tissue. Today, this property is the basis for how we treat
brain tumors with chemotherapy.
Perhaps the most prominent impact of Cajal’s discovery is found in the 21st century. By
understanding the nodal and electrical qualities of the neuron, scientists have been able to
create artificial intelligence. These computer programs are able to think and learn similarly to a
human. From ChatGPT being used for all forms of writing, to the MIT CSAIL being used to fly
drones, to Tesla making self-driving cars, neural networks have already begun to revolutionize
our world. These incredible AI advancements in technology, art, transportation, and other fields
all stem from scientists’ attempts to replicate neurons.
Thus, by replacing outdated theories and inspiring critical advancements, Cajal’s
discovery of the neuron initiated a modern era of science. Across over a hundred years, the
knowledge from this discovery has had a butterfly effect that can be found in every frontier of
human advancement. My name is Parsa Talaie, and I would like to thank you for the opportunity
to apply for the Joy Cappel Scholarship.