Brain cells have one nucleus with the genoman side, but thousands of synaptic connections. So does it make sense to only have jeans on or off at the nucleus level? And maybe even more amazingly, when a brain cell is active, it manufactures ros like particles that can bring genetic material from one brain cell to another. Sell so now several groups are er, i think, using such technologies to ry to map out whether all the different bi molecular types are involved with plasticity.
Ed Boyden builds the tools and technologies that help researchers think about and treat the brain, an organ we still know surprisingly little about. When it comes to how our brains make decisions, form emotions, and exhibit consciousness, there is still a lot we can learn.
But just as fascinating as the tools Boyden and his team build is the way in which they build them. Boyden employs a number of methods to design more useful tools, such as thinking backwards from the problem, hiring eclectic talent, practicing a particular type of meditation, waking long before dawn, or just trying the opposite of what’s already been attempted.
Would emulating the brain require emulating the entire body? Is consciousness fundamental to the universe, or is it actually just an illusion? Does a certain disharmony in thought lead to creativity? Why don’t people feel comfortable talking about their brains? And why is it so hard for us to be empathetic with one another? Listen to this engaging and brain-stimulating conversation with Tyler to hear his perspective.
Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.
Recorded February 5th, 2019 Other ways to connect