Michael Yassa

Dr. Michael Yassa, a neurobiologist and director at UC Irvine’s Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, dives into the mysteries of memory. He discusses how memories are formed, stored, and occasionally forgotten, while debunking common myths. Listeners learn about childbirth amnesia, the effects of cramming for tests, and why you might forget a word at the worst time. Yassa also touches on neurotransmitters' roles in memory, exploring how emotional experiences shape recall and even examining extraordinary conditions like hyperthymesia.

Remembering names! Preventing dementia! Photographic memories! Weed! Goldfish! It’s the thrilling conclusion of Mnemonology with Dr. Michael Yassa, the Director of UC Irvine’s Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. We talk long vs. short term memories, how smells can pack a wallop of emotions, prosopagnosia (“facial blindness”), the fog of new parenthood, Alzheimer's and other causes of dementia, and tips to keep your brain in tip-top shape. Let’s make some mems. Listen to Part 1 hereFollow Dr. Yassa on Google Scholar and XVisit the Yassa Translational Neuroscience Laboratory at UCI websiteA donation went to UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory’s graduate student and postdoctoral Junior Scholar FundMore episode sources and linksSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesOther episodes you may enjoy: Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD), Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS), Eudemonology (HAPPINESS), Traumatology (PTSD), Sports & Performance Psychology (ANXIETY & CONFIDENCE), Phonology (LINGUISTICS), Neuropathology (CONCUSSIONS), Quantum Ontology (WHAT IS REAL?), Surgical Angiology (VEINS & ARTERIES), Disability Sociology (DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH), Dolorology (PAIN)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!Follow Ologies on Instagram and BlueskyFollow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTokEditing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake ChaffeeManaging Director: Susan HaleScheduling Producer: Noel DilworthTranscripts by Aveline Malek Website by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

Dr. Michael Yassa, a leading neurobiologist and director at the UCI Brain Initiative, unpacks the fascinating world of memory. He compares our brains to computers, exploring how memories are formed and stored. Through humorous anecdotes, he sheds light on common forgetfulness and the evolutionary purpose of memory. The discussion also covers the advent of brain-computer interfaces, the mechanics of memory recall, and the impact of aging on memory health. Prepare to rethink what you know about your own mind!