Very interesting show recently on ABC Radio National's "All in the Mind" programme.
"The dogma used to be that the adult brain was a rigid, unchangeable organ, but that pessimistic perspective is now being radically revised. Psychiatrist Dr Norman Doidge journeyed into the labs and lives of the 'neuroplasticians' -- once scientific mavericks, they're challenging the old neurological nihilism. Professor Jeffrey Schwartz is one. They both join Natasha Mitchell in discussion to reveal how the human brain has underestimated itself! Next week, plasticity on the couch..."
(Programme synopsis from ABC website)
Part 1
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/allinthemind/stories/2008/2359328.htm
Part 2
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/allinthemind/stories/2008/2365737.htm
As investigated in LiFE Academy module "The Mind-Body Interface"
http://www.life-academy.com.au/content/view/172/73/