h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Today ABC-TV (US) Evening News reported on research done on tadpoles at Cold Harbor, New York state. It seems that tbe appropriate genetic material stimulates dendrite growth from neurons, making the tadpole brainier than ever( i.e., clevely chasing other tadpoles in an aquatic game of hide and seek , I presume). The researchers concluded that since our brains are constructed the same way ("Reebit!' "Reebit!" or Bud...Weiss...ER!), this proves that new brain structure is always capable of formation at any age. They further suggested that half of all our genes are involved in this process of adult dendritic growth ! So off we go to see the wizard...