The Influence of Cytokines on Mood and Behavior

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Exploring how cytokines in the immune system can impact mood and social behavior, potentially leading to feelings of sadness and social withdrawal. Discussing the evolutionary reasons behind the body's immune response signaling the brain to slow down and rest during illness, with recent research suggesting a possible increase in motivation to seek social connections for comfort.

Artificial intelligence is powerful, but what about natural intelligence? This hour, TED speakers explore the intrinsic genius in animal language, insect behavior, plant anatomy and our immune system. Guests include neuroscientist Greg Gage, computational neuroscientist Frances Chance, social psychoneuroimmunologist Keely Muscatell and environmental researcher Karen Bakker.

We want to dedicate this episode to Bakker who passed away in August 2023, only a few months after giving her TED Talk. Her research and legacy continue to inspire.

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