Choose to be Curious Ep. #225: A Special Alchemy: Curiosity, Empathy & Social Media, with Dr. Ben Rein
Apr 4, 2024
Neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein discusses empathy, science communication, and social media. He uses TikTok and Instagram to summarize research, teach neuroscience, and debunk misinformation. The conversation highlights the unique blend of curiosity, empathy, and social media. Topics include empathy in neuroscience, combating misinformation, and the power of curiosity in informal science communication.
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Accidental Start
- Ben Rein's social media presence started unintentionally when a TikTok video went viral.
- This unexpected success revealed the potential of social media for science communication.
Neuroscience Research
- Neuroscience research clarifies brain function, going beyond common misconceptions like the "10% brain" myth.
- Researchers study various levels, from human cognition to cellular processes in model organisms.
Empathy in Mice
- Mice, like many animals, exhibit empathy, allowing for in-depth study of its neurobiological mechanisms.
- The "social transfer of pain" model reveals how mice adopt the pain behaviors of others, offering insights into empathy circuits.