929: David Eagleman | Exploring the Brain's Inner Cosmos
Dec 5, 2023
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Dr. David Eagleman, a renowned neuroscientist and host of Inner Cosmos, takes us on a fascinating journey through the brain's mysteries. He explains why intense experiences seem to unfold in slow motion and unpacks the captivating world of synesthesia, where senses intertwine. Eagleman explores the brain's incredible plasticity and how technology might one day add new senses. He also discusses the surprising advantages blind musicians have, all while contemplating the future of cognitive enhancement. Prepare for a mind-bending exploration!
Challenging ourselves with new experiences enhances brain plasticity and prevents cognitive decline.
Brain-computer interfaces show promise in restoring mobility and independence to individuals with paralysis.
AI has the potential to accelerate scientific discovery by uncovering patterns and connections in vast amounts of data.
Access to affordable medications for fever and diarrhea has greatly reduced the global mortality rate.
Deep dives
Seeking novelty is important for brain health
Challenging ourselves and constantly engaging in new and novel experiences is crucial for brain health. Our brains are wired to seek out novelty and learn from new experiences. By constantly exposing ourselves to challenging and unfamiliar situations, we can enhance brain plasticity and build new neural pathways. Seeking novelty can help prevent cognitive decline and keep our brains sharp and adaptable.
Brain plasticity allows for the integration of new body parts
The brain's remarkable plasticity allows for the integration of new body parts and technologies. By using brain-computer interfaces, individuals with paralysis can control robotic arms and other devices as natural extensions of themselves. This technology is already in development and shows promise in restoring mobility and independence to individuals with disabilities. With further advancements, the possibilities of integrating new body parts or controlling robots at a distance through direct brain control become even more fascinating.
The potential for AI-assisted scientific discovery
AI has the potential to revolutionize scientific discovery. By leveraging the vast amount of data available, AI can assist in making connections and discovering patterns that might have otherwise been missed. While AI is currently in the early stages of assisting with scientific discovery, there is hope that it can accelerate the pace of research and open up new avenues of exploration. AI's ability to process and analyze large quantities of data can help scientists uncover breakthroughs and advance our understanding of the world.
The importance of controlling fever and diarrhea in saving lives
The control of fever and diarrhea has had a significant impact on saving lives. By preventing and managing these common illnesses, the global mortality rate has been greatly reduced. Access to affordable medications and treatments for fever and diarrhea has played a crucial role in improving public health and preventing complications. These advancements have had a widespread impact on both developed and developing countries, illustrating the importance of basic healthcare interventions in saving lives.
The Role of Dreams and the Defense of the Visual Cortex
Dreams serve the purpose of defending the visual cortex during periods of darkness. Due to the rotation of the planet, humans are in darkness for half the cycle, and the visual system becomes disadvantaged. The brain counteracts this by generating dreams that blast random activity into the primary visual cortex, thus protecting it. This process occurs every 90 minutes and helps preserve visual cells. Dreams are predominantly visual, but the brain can also incorporate other senses into the dream experience. The brain's storytelling nature allows dreams to have narratives, even though they are essentially a random collection of images.
Synesthesia and Sensory Blending
Synesthesia is a blending of the senses where individuals experience cross-sensory perceptions. This phenomenon affects around 3% of the population and can manifest in various forms, such as associating colors with numbers or letters. Synesthetes may also perceive tastes when hearing sounds or feel sensations on their fingertips when tasting something. Each synesthete has their own unique blend of sensory experiences, making it a highly individualized phenomenon. Synesthesia is believed to arise from cross-wiring in the brain, and studying it provides insights into the diversity of human consciousness.
Considering Culpability and Brain Tumors in Criminal Offenses
The intersection of neuroscience and the legal system raises questions regarding culpability. When individuals with brain tumors commit crimes, it becomes important to determine their level of guilt or blame. Specialized court systems, such as mental health courts, can provide a more nuanced approach by considering the biological factors that may have influenced the individual's actions. By focusing on rehabilitation and resources tailored to specific conditions, rather than solely on punishment, the legal system can better serve individuals who commit offenses due to neurological factors. This approach recognizes that culpability is dependent on a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and circumstances beyond an individual's control.
What unknown frontiers reside inside the human brain? Dr. David Eagleman, host of the original iHeart podcast Inner Cosmos, helps us chart a course here!
What We Discuss with David Eagleman:
The reason we might view particularly intense situations in slow motion.
The phenomenon of synesthesia: why some people hear colors and taste sounds.
How close we are to being able to add new senses to our brains and bodies.
The new hope neuroscience technology gives to people affected by spinal cord injuries.
