Abstract
Draganski and colleagues scanned juggling novices before and after training — grey matter volume increased in motion-learning areas, then partially receded when practice stopped.
Draganski, B., Gaser, C., Busch, V., Schuierer, G., Bogdahn, U., & May, A. (2004). Nature, 427(6972), 311–312. DOI
Key findings
- Training grows tissue — After three months of new skill practice, voxel-based morphometry showed grey matter expansion in relevant regions.
- Use it or lose — When training stopped, gains partially reversed — plasticity tracks ongoing use, not a permanent trophy.
- Motor regions — Changes localised to temporal motion-processing areas tied to the skill — not whole-brain blur.
- Practice proof — Deliberate training moved measurable brain structure — a concrete reply to fixed-talent stories.
Limits
Small juggling cohort — iconic evidence, not proof every skill plasticises identically.