Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

298 | Jeff Lichtman on the Wiring Diagram of the Brain

Dec 9, 2024

Join neuroscientist Jeff Lichtman, a leading figure in brain mapping from Harvard, as he reveals the wonders of the human brain's wiring. Discover the remarkable Brainbow technique that illuminates neuron connections. Lichtman discusses the challenges of mapping the human connectome and how it compares to simpler organisms. He touches on the self-organizing nature of neural networks and the ethical considerations of brain research. Dive into his insights on consciousness and the potential for neuroscience breakthroughs in understanding human behavior.

01:09:09

Episode guests

Jeff Lichtman

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The human brain's complexity lies not just in its neurons but significantly in the intricate connections forming the connectome, essential for understanding learning and memory.

Innovative imaging techniques like Brainbow enable researchers to visualize neural connections, marking a vital step toward mapping the complex human connectome.

Exploring the structural wiring of brains could revolutionize treatments for psychiatric disorders by identifying and addressing neural miswirings linked to cognitive differences.

Deep dives

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Intro

2min

Exploring the Complex Wiring of the Human Brain

3min

Mapping the Brain's Complexity

14min

Understanding Neuronal Diversity and Function

3min

Unraveling the Brain's Connectome

12min

The Self-Organizing Nature of Neural Connections

4min

Decoding Sound: Neural Transformations and Imaging Techniques

12min

Transformative Insights from Wiring Diagrams in Neuroscience

2min

Mapping the Mind: Neuroscience and Ethics

4min

10.

Navigating Consciousness and Brain Complexity

19min

The number of neurons in the human brain is comparable to the number of stars in the Milky Way galaxy. Unlike the stars, however, in the case of neurons the real action is in how they are directly connected to each other: receiving signals over synapses via their dendrites, and when appropriately triggered, sending signals down the axon to other neurons (glossing over some complications). So a major step in understanding the brain is to map its wiring diagram, or connectome: the complete map of those connections. For a human brain that's an intimidatingly complex challenge, but important advances have been made on tinier brains. We talk with Jeff Lichtman, a leader in brain mapping, to gauge the current state of progress and what it implies.

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Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/12/09/298-jeff-lichtman-on-the-wiring-diagram-of-the-brain/

Jeff Lichtman received an MD/PhD from Washington University in St. Louis. He is currently the Jeremy R. Knowles Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Santiago Ramón y Cajal Professor of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University. He is co-inventor of the Brainbow system for imaging neurons. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

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