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STEM-Talk

Episode 163: Mark Mattson discusses glutamate, the brain’s most important neurotransmitter

Jan 31, 2024
Neuroscientist Mark Mattson discusses the pivotal role of glutamate in the brain, influencing cognitive functions and neurological disorders. He explains how glutamate controls learning, memory, creativity, and its involvement in disorders like autism and Alzheimer's. The discussion sheds light on the importance of understanding this neurotransmitter for brain health and function.
01:18:22

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Glutamate controls neuronal networks, influencing brain structure and function alongside learning, memory, creativity, and imagination.
  • Glutamate is pivotal in synaptic connections, impacting brain function, development, and adult neuroplasticity.

Deep dives

Mark Matson's Work on Glutamate

Dr. Mark Matson discusses glutamate, the brain's predominant neurotransmitter, and its role in brain functions such as learning, memory, creativity, and imagination. He emphasizes how glutamate controls neuronal networks, affecting brain structure and function. Matson also highlights the dual nature of glutamate, playing a causal role in disorders like autism, schizophrenia, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS.

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