“For the first time, we are beginning to understand the biology that underlies critical periods,” says Hensch. And that understanding is suggesting ways to intervene in various neural disorders, including intractable conditions such as adult amblyopia, in which information from one eye is not correctly processed by the brain, and possibly even autism. The work could even lead to ‘plasticity pills’ that enhance learning or help to wipe out traumatic memories.

Read more: Neurodevelopment: Unlocking the brain