Matthias Gruber

Matthias Gruber, an associate professor of psychology, specializes in the neuroscience of curiosity, while Tim Peake, an astronaut and test pilot, shares his out-of-this-world experiences aboard the International Space Station. Gosia Goclowska, a psychology lecturer, explores emotions like awe and surprise. Together, they discuss the significance of curiosity in fueling exploration, the brain's reward systems, and amusing anecdotes from space that highlight the quirks of living in zero gravity. Their insights illuminate how curiosity shapes learning and innovation in our lives.

Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to walk in space, shares captivating tales from his time on the International Space Station, including a humorous incident involving frozen urine. Matthias Gruber, a psychology expert, dives into the neuroscience behind curiosity, explaining its vital role in motivation and learning. The discussion evolves around how curiosity shifts from childhood wonder to adult exploration, alongside unique insights about space smells and the significance of celebrations in zero gravity, sparking thoughts about nurturing curiosity in our lives.

Matthias Gruber is a researcher at Cardiff University specializing in the neuroscience of curiosity, while Mary Whatley is an assistant professor at Western Carolina University focusing on age-related changes in curiosity. They discuss how curiosity evolves with age, revealing that it becomes more focused rather than diminishing. Curiosity activates brain circuits linked to memory retention and learning, and maintaining it in older age can safeguard cognitive health. However, they caution about the potential risks of curiosity, including vulnerability to misinformation.