NeuroForecasting: how brain activity can predict stock prices or viral videos | Brian Knutson

Neuroscientists have spent the past few decades tracing the network of brain systems—some deep and emotional, and others more analytical and deliberate— that work together as we make tough choices like where to invest our money as well as more everyday decisions like which videos to watch online—or, for that matter, which podcast to listen to.

You can imagine that the ability to listen in on the brain systems that guide our choices might start to let scientists predict our decisions. But today's guest has taken this a step further, showing that measuring brain activity in just a few individuals can actually forecast widespread social behaviors, like which stock prices are likely to go up or down on the market, or which videos are likely to go viral. 

Join us as we talk with Brian Knutson, a professor of psychology in Stanford's School of Humanities and Sciences, about the frontiers of neuroeconomics, bridging psychology, economics, and neuroscience. 

Learn More

• SPANlab (Symbiotic Project on Affective Neuroscience)
• NeuroChoice: Eight years of forging connections to illuminate and empower choice (Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, 2024)
• Brain imaging links stimulant-use relapse to distinct nerve pathway (Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, 2022)
• Brain activity data may improve stock market forecasts, study shows (The Guardian, 2021)
• Your brain knows whether a video will go viral online (Stanford Report, 2020)
• Odds are good that risky gambling choices are influenced by a single brain connection, Stanford research shows (Stanford Report, 2016)
• Smile boosts chances of getting a microloan, say Stanford psychologists (Stanford Report, 2015)
• Stanford scientists see how the brain makes environmental decisions (Stanford Report, 2015)

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