CNN 10 A musician plays the clarinet during her own brain surgery
Nov 6, 2025
Rodrigo Medellín, a leading Mexican ecologist and bat conservationist, sheds light on the critical role bats play in our ecosystem. He discusses how these remarkable creatures control pests and aid in pollination, urging listeners to appreciate their value despite negative cultural stigma. Medellín also shares insights from his fieldwork, emphasizing community education through engaging bat interactions. In a fascinating twist, the podcast features a segment on a woman who played the clarinet during her brain surgery to help monitor her recovery, blending art with science.
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Music, Cerebellum, And Real-Time Surgical Monitoring
- The cerebellum handles music and rhythm processing and contains over half of the brain's neurons despite being ~10% of volume.
- Awake brain monitoring during surgery can directly test complex skills like playing an instrument in real time.
Clarinet Played Mid‑Surgery
- Denise Bacon, a Parkinson's patient in the U.K., stayed awake during deep brain stimulation and played the clarinet.
- Surgeons used her clarinet performance to assess finger movements and speed during electrode placement.
Eat For Heart And Brain Health
- Eat whole foods that benefit both heart and brain, including fatty fish, berries, leafy greens, nuts, and dark chocolate.
- Prioritize foods that support cardiovascular health because they generally support brain health too.
