BBC Inside Science

Vagrant Birds

Jan 4, 2024

Vagrant birds appearing in new locations and their impact on ecosystems. Boris Johnson's testimony and decision-making during the pandemic. The brain's inability to rewire itself after injury contradicts previous beliefs. Research on neurons and phantom limb pain after amputation. The psychological impact of approaching rehabilitation for brain injury patients.

28:17

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Quick takeaways

Vagrant birds displaced by storms and changing climates provide valuable insights into species' ability to colonize new areas and contribute to our understanding of ecosystem dynamics.

Contrary to commonly-held beliefs, the brain does not have the ability to rewire itself after an injury, challenging previous assumptions and highlighting the need for more effective rehabilitation and pain management strategies.

Deep dives

Boris Johnson's decision-making during the pandemic

During the UK's COVID-19 public inquiry, Boris Johnson's decision-making process was closely examined. He stated that early warnings of a pandemic were not taken seriously enough because the scientific community in Whitehall did not inform him of the urgency. However, evidence from other witnesses suggested that senior scientists had raised concerns early on. The timing of the first lockdown was also discussed, with some suggesting it should have been implemented earlier to save lives. Johnson emphasized that the government's actions were guided by scientific data and advice.

Introduction

2min

Boris Johnson's Testimony and Decision-making During the COVID-19 Pandemic

9min

Vagrant Birds and Their Importance

7min

Understanding Brain Remapping and Neural Function after Injury

3min

Neurons, Phantom Limb Pain, and Brain Representation

6min

Understanding the Psychological Impact of Approaching Rehabilitation

3min

Vagrant birds are those that appear in locations where they are not usually found. They might have been blown off course by a storm or have been affected by changing weather patterns due to climate change. Although a treat for birders, these visitors can also have a big impact on their new environments as Victoria Gill finds out when she heads to Burton Mere Wetlands on the Dee Estuary with Dr Alexander Lees, reader in biodiversity at Manchester Metropolitan University.

As former Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives his testimony, we hear the latest from the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry with BBC Health Reporter Jim Reed.

A new study reveals that, contrary to a commonly-held view, the brain does not have the ability to rewire itself to compensate for the loss of, for example sight, an amputation or stroke. This is despite what most scientists believe and teach. Moreover, the assumption that it has this ability has led to all manner of erroneous treatments for amputees, stroke victims and other conditions, the study suggests.

We’re joined by the study’s authors, Professor John Krakauer from Johns Hopkins University and Professor Tamar Making of the University of Cambridge. We’ll also hear from one of Tamar’s key case studies, Kirsty Mason, an amputee from the age of 18 who advanced the scientists’ experiments exponentially.

  Presenter: Victoria Gill Producers: Hannah Robins and Louise Orchard Editor: Richard Collings Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth 

BBC Inside Science is produced in collaboration with the Open University.

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BBC Inside Science

Vagrant Birds

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Boris Johnson's decision-making during the pandemic

The significance of vagrant birds in the UK

Reevaluating brain remapping and understanding Phantom Limb Pain

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts