Radiolab
Vertigogo
Feb 7, 2025
Explore the surreal side of brain disorders with fascinating stories about personal experiences of vertigo. Discover how a researcher grapples with the unexpected hijacking of her own mind and a librarian faces the strange symptoms she terms 'gravitational anarchy.' Delve into the role of the basal ganglia in movement and the peculiar medical mysteries of sudden vertigo relief. These narratives connect the complex dance of brain function, identity, and the unpredictable nature of health, creating a profound reflection on the human experience.
25:48
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Quick takeaways
- Liza Schoenfeld's research on the basal ganglia using optogenetics illustrates the profound impact of neurological processes on movement control and coordination.
- Rosemary Morton's experience with labyrinthitis reveals how unexplained health issues can dramatically distort perception and influence one’s relationship with the environment.
Deep dives
The Intricacies of the Basal Ganglia
The basal ganglia, a deep-seated part of the brain, plays a vital role in movement control and coordination. This section of the brain was the focus of a research technician, Liza Schoenfeld, who studied its functions using optogenetics—a technique that uses light to manipulate neural activity. In her lab, scientists demonstrated the ability to induce movement or halt a living mouse’s actions by shining lasers on the basal ganglia, effectively controlling the mouse's movement in real-time. This cutting-edge research highlighted the foundational mechanisms of motor control and established an intricate link between movement and neurological processes.
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