Dr. Manoj Doss, a neuroscientist specializing in psychoactive drugs at UT Austin, shares groundbreaking insights on memory and psychedelics. He discusses how substances like THC and ketamine can disrupt and enhance memory processes, challenging traditional views. The episode explores the surprising effects of psychedelics on different kinds of memory and the role of the hippocampus. Dr. Doss also examines cognitive enhancers like nicotine, weighing their benefits and risks, while delving into the ethical implications of memory manipulation and trauma's impact on recollection.
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insights INSIGHT
How the Mind Works
Some people use the predictive processing framework to explain how the mind works.
The mind likely operates hierarchically, with increasing levels of abstraction.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Researchers Testing Psychedelics
Researchers tested psychedelic doses, with varied reactions.
One older researcher had a profound experience, saying "Oh God" before the camera cut off.
insights INSIGHT
Memory Stages and Drug Impact
Memory involves encoding, consolidation, and retrieval stages.
Drugs impact these stages differently, like alcohol enhancing memory if consumed post-study.
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How a New Understanding of the Brain Will Lead to the Creation of Truly Intelligent Machines
Jeff Hawkins
Sandra Blakeslee
In 'On Intelligence,' Jeff Hawkins, with the help of Sandra Blakeslee, outlines his memory-prediction framework theory of the brain. This theory posits that the brain is a hierarchical, predictive system that uses memory to make continuous predictions about future events. Hawkins argues that current approaches to artificial intelligence are flawed because they do not understand the fundamental principles of how the brain works. He explains how the neocortex, the seat of intelligence, operates through a hierarchical structure, making predictions based on associative memory. The book discusses the implications of this theory for neuroscience, the development of intelligent machines, and our understanding of human behavior and cognition.
Influence
The Psychology of Persuasion
Robert Cialdini
In this highly acclaimed book, Dr. Robert B. Cialdini explains the psychology behind why people say yes and how to apply these insights ethically. The book outlines six universal principles of influence: Reciprocation, Commitment and Consistency, Social Proof, Liking, Authority, and Scarcity. The new and expanded edition includes a seventh principle, Unity, along with new research, insights, and examples. Cialdini uses memorable stories and relatable examples to make the subject accessible and easy to understand, helping readers become more skilled persuaders and defend themselves against unethical influence attempts.
Remembering Satan
Lawrence Wright
In 'Remembering Satan', Lawrence Wright delves into the tragic case of Paul Ingram, a respected deputy sheriff accused by his daughters of sexual abuse, which escalated into bizarre claims of satanic ritual abuse. The book examines how these accusations, fueled by the concept of recovered memory, destroyed a family and captivated a nation obsessed with rumors of a satanic underground. It provides a psychological detective story and a domestic tragedy, highlighting the dangers when modern science is overshadowed by archaic fears.
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dr. Manoj Doss, a neuroscientist at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, explores the fascinating intersection of psychedelics, memory, and cognitive enhancement. Drawing from his extensive research, Dr. Doss dives into how psychoactive substances like THC, ketamine, and psychedelics can alter memory formation, consolidation, and retrieval. He challenges the conventional understanding of memory by revealing how these substances might disrupt traditional memory processes while potentially opening new pathways for learning and cognition.
You'll discover how different drugs impact your brain's ability to encode and recall information, the surprising effects of psychedelics on semantic and episodic memory, and the role of the hippocampus in shaping our personal narratives. Dr. Doss also delves into the potential benefits and risks of cognitive enhancers like nicotine and modafinil, offering insights into their effects on memory and brain function.
Dr. Doss provides a nuanced perspective on the malleability of memory, the ethical implications of memory manipulation, and the complex relationship between trauma, memory, and psychedelics. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the cutting-edge science of memory, the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, and the quest to enhance cognitive performance.
Timestamps:
00:00:01 — Opening
00:01:39 — Introduction to Dr. Manoj Doss
00:03:20 — The Impact of Psychedelics on Memory
00:05:50 — The Predictive Processing Framework and Mind Models
00:13:22 — Alcohol and Retrograde Facilitation: Enhancing Memory Post-Study
00:19:00 — Differences Between Episodic and Semantic Memory
00:22:57 — The Role of the Hippocampus in Memory Formation
00:32:35 — Exercise, BDNF, and Memory Enhancement
00:42:29 — The Complex Relationship Between Psychedelics and Neurogenesis
00:52:16 — The Fallibility of Memory and False Memory Formation
01:09:04 — The Influence of Nicotine, Modafinil, and Other Cognitive Enhancers
01:30:34 — Closing Remarks
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