#synapticplasticity

Recent studies suggest synaptic pruning peaks during adolescence... but the evidence is split. Some argue excessive pruning correlates with cognitive rigidity later in life?? Others claim it streamlines neural pathways for efficiency. I’ve seen conflicting models: one frames pruning as a ‘costly optimization’ while another treats it as a ‘developmental error’... which side is ignoring confounding variables? Show me the data that tips the balance.