Keely Muscatell

In this insightful discussion, Keely Muscatell, a social neuroscientist and psychology professor at UNC Chapel Hill, explores the fascinating connection between the immune system and our emotional well-being. She reveals how illness can induce feelings of depression and withdrawal, stemming from both physiological changes and evolutionary responses. Muscatell highlights that sickness might even increase our desire for social support from loved ones, illustrating the complex interplay of health, mood, and social behavior.

Discover the genius of natural intelligence with topics ranging from the carnivorous Venus Fly Trap to the problem-solving skills of African dung beetles. Explore the resilience and sensitivity of plants, the intelligence in nature displayed by slime molds and crows, and how AI can learn from dragonflies. Learn about the influence of cytokines on mood, the brain-immune system connection, and decoding animal communication with AI and bioacoustics.

Greg Gage is a neuroscientist who explores plant behaviors and even slime mold as a single-cell 'computer'. He reveals how the Venus flytrap counts to catch prey and how plants adapt their growth in response to touch. Frances Chance studies dragonfly brains, showcasing how they perform fast computations that could inspire energy-efficient AI. Keely Muscatell explains the connection between our immune system and social behavior, revealing how inflammation affects mood. Karen Bakker discusses decoding animal communications with AI, emphasizing the hidden wisdom found in nature.

In this fascinating discussion, neuroscientist Greg Gage, known for his work on plant intelligence, joins computational neuroscientist Frances Chance, psychology professor Keely Muscatell, and environmental researcher Karen Bakker. They delve into the wonders of natural intelligence, from the intricate behaviors of honeybees to the sophisticated signaling of our immune system. The conversation highlights how these insights can inspire technology, inform environmental practices, and ultimately reshape our understanding of intelligence itself.

Social neuroscientist and psychology professor Keely Muscatell explores the interconnectedness of mood and the inflammatory system. The podcast discusses the bidirectional relationship between the immune system and thoughts, feelings, and social behavior, as well as the impact of inflammation on mood and social interactions. It also delves into how sickness shapes a person's mood and the positive effects of inflammation on social interactions.