#249 ‒ How the brain works, Andrew’s fascinating backstory, improving scientific literacy, and more | Andrew Huberman, Ph.D.
Apr 3, 2023
auto_awesome
Join Andrew Huberman, a Stanford neurobiology professor and host of the Huberman Lab podcast, as he delves into the intricacies of the brain. He illuminates how the prefrontal cortex influences decision-making and creativity, while sharing personal stories of resilience and the value of therapy. Andrew discusses the significance of vision as a 'superpower' and critiques scientific literacy in society, advocating for better communication in research. His journey from self-doubt to academic success serves as an inspiration, highlighting mentorship's role in personal growth.
Understanding how the brain processes information and governs different senses like hearing, seeing, and smelling.
Andrew Huberman's personal journey and the significance of therapy in overcoming struggles and finding purpose.
The importance of science communication in bridging the gap between scientific research and the general public.
Teaching the verbs or actions in biology to enhance practical and applicable understanding of the field.
Deep dives
Overview of the Podcast Episode
The podcast episode features a conversation between the host, Peter Atia, and Andrew Huberman, a neurobiologist. The discussion covers neuro anatomy and how the brain works, Andrew's personal journey, and the importance of science communication. The episode provides insights into how the brain processes information, the role of different brain areas in perception, and the impact of sensory experiences on our behavior and well-being.
Understanding Neuro Anatomy and Brain Functions
The podcast delves into neuro anatomy, exploring how the brain processes information and governs different senses like hearing, seeing, and smelling. It highlights different brain areas and their functions, emphasizing the rule-setting capabilities of the prefrontal cortex and the role of the insula in integrating external and internal information. The conversation also touches on adaptation, vision sensitivity, and the specialization of visual systems in different animals.
Andrew's Journey and Science Communication
The episode also delves into Andrew Huberman's personal journey, discussing his childhood, education, and career. It sheds light on his expertise in neuroscience and his passion for science communication. The conversation emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between scientific research and the general public, making complex concepts accessible and promoting scientific literacy. It highlights the role of communication in building understanding and appreciation for scientific advancements.
Chaos theory and therapy helped me through a tumultuous upbringing
During my adolescence, I experienced a difficult home life that led to anger and rebellion. I found solace in skateboarding and the skateboarding community, but also got into fights and dabbled in drugs. However, therapy became a turning point for me, as my therapist provided the guidance and support I needed. I switched high schools and began focusing on fitness and working out, leading me to consider a career as a firefighter. I took fire science classes and even stayed with Tony Hawk's family for a night. Eventually, I gained more stability and enrolled at UCSB, but continued to struggle with fights and truancy. After a critical moment where I felt like a screw-up, I decided to change my path. I moved back home, attended community college, and shifted my focus to studying and working out. I achieved straight A's and started working in a laboratory, fueling my growing interest in physiology and fitness. While I didn't pursue a career as a firefighter, this period of self-discovery and personal growth laid the foundation for my future endeavors.
Career Journey and Academic Pursuits
The speaker discusses their journey through academia, from studying neuroscience to pursuing a career in research. They highlight their passion for mental health and neuroscience, fueled by personal experiences and interactions with experts in the field. Their dedication and love for science led them to excel in their PhD and postdoc, eventually securing a position at UC San Diego. They emphasize the challenges and joys of being a scientist, the importance of staying true to one's passion, and the impact of mentors and supportive relationships in their academic journey.
Personal Growth and Loss
Throughout their career, the speaker encounters personal and emotional challenges that shape their perspective. They reflect on the importance of forgiveness and reconnecting with their father, finding solace and understanding in shared struggles. They also face the devastating loss of mentors, including Harry Carlisle and Barbara Chapman, which serves as a reminder of the fragility of life. These experiences further intensify their commitment to their work, exposing the limitations of scientific knowledge in protecting against personal tragedy.
Importance of Teaching Verbs in Biology
In the podcast, the speaker emphasizes the significance of teaching the verbs, or the actions, in biology rather than focusing on the specific terminology or names of biological components. Understanding the processes and mechanisms underlying daily experiences can have a lasting impact on individuals' understanding of biology. By teaching people the verb actions of biology, such as the effect of sunlight on the body or the process of stress mitigation through breathing patterns, individuals can grasp the utility and beauty of biology without getting bogged down by excessive nomenclature. Teaching verbs allows people to comprehend the essential mechanisms and tools of biology, leading to a more practical and applicable understanding of the field.
Challenges of Communicating Science and Scientific Literacy
The podcast discusses the difficulties in communicating science to the general public and the crisis of scientific literacy that has resulted in a crisis of confidence. The speaker acknowledges that a formal rigorous education is necessary to develop the foundation and critical thinking skills required for scientific understanding. However, the speaker believes that scientific literacy does not necessarily require a formal education in science. Instead, the focus should be on teaching statistical literacy and probability, as understanding concepts like standard deviation and probability enables individuals to critically analyze and evaluate scientific claims. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of avoiding condescension and treating the public as intelligent individuals who can understand nuanced scientific concepts when presented with the right information. Overall, the goal is to build trust, provide accurate information, and empower individuals to think critically about science.
Andrew Huberman is a Professor of Neurobiology at Stanford University and host of the Huberman Lab podcast. In this episode, Andrew begins with a fascinating discussion about the brain, including the role of the prefrontal cortex in adjusting your ruleset to match your setting, the neural circuitry underlying the ability of stress to limit creativity and problem-solving, the effect of belief on physiology and performance, and more. He speaks about vision being our “superpower” and compares this to animals that rely more on other senses. Next, he opens up about his personal journey, the struggles and losses he has overcome, the value of therapy, and the many great people who helped him along the way. He speaks to his love of biology and discovery and the importance of staying true to your passion rather than being driven purely by ambition. Lastly, the conversation includes a look to the future of Andrew's scientific work and podcast as well as his unique approach to communicating science and tackling the issue of scientific illiteracy.
We discuss:
Exercise under blood flow restriction, lactate utilization, and transient changes in the brain function in response to adrenaline and stress [3:30];
The role of the prefrontal cortex in governing rulesets [9:15];
New discoveries about the circuitry between the prefrontal cortex, insula, and amygdala, and the insights gleaned about brain function in different emotional states [15:30];
Comparing human vision and other senses to animals [26:00];
A deep dive into vision: evolutionary adaptations, facial recognition, color, and more [39:45];
Sense of smell, pheromones, and why evolution developed better vision over smell [46:30];
The relationship between visual input and time perception [55:30];
Mindset effects: the effect of belief on physiology and performance [1:00:45];
Accessing higher levels of creativity with broadening rulesets and the limiting nature of stress and fear on creativity [1:05:30];
Stress and fear increase autonomic arousal, limit access to rulesets, and inhibit performance [1:12:15];
Andrew’s upbringing, early childhood, and tough adolescent years [1:15:00];
Andrew’s time in a residential treatment program and how he benefited from therapy [1:20:15];
The beginning of positive changes in Andrew’s young life [1:28:30];
Andrew’s decision to turn his life around [1:37:00];
A new passion for science and exercise helps Andrew [1:42:00];
The difference between a postdoc and a PhD [1:54:15];
Staying in touch with the love of biology and not getting pulled into ambition [1:59:15];
Andrew starts his own lab, and continues work to overcome his demons [2:07:00];
The loss of three mentors leads to deep soul searching [2:12:00];
What motivated Andrew to begin his podcast [2:18:00];
Looking to the future of Andrew’s scientific work, podcast, and more [2:22:45];
Andrew’s unique approach to communicating science and the issue of scientific illiteracy [2:30:00]; and
