Nikolay Kukushkin

In this engaging discussion, Nikolay Kukushkin, an associate professor at NYU and senior scientist, delves into his book, *One Hand Clapping*, exploring the essences of nature and cognition. He shares the origins of his doodles as teaching tools that clarify complex ideas. The conversation touches on cellular memory, the evolution of brains, and the philosophical implications of AI as an extension of human thought. Kukushkin provocatively argues that meaning emerges from nature's patterns and urges a reevaluation of how we define memory and consciousness.

Dr. Niko Kukushkin, a renowned neuroscientist and writer, dives deep into the mysteries of the human mind. He explores the brain's role as a prediction machine and how its complexity shapes consciousness. The conversation probes the neurobiology of psychedelics, linking them to enhanced sensory experiences. Kukushkin also discusses the impacts of loneliness on intelligence and emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty for long-term happiness. Through these insights, he challenges conventional beliefs about memory, motivation, and what it means to live authentically.

Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin, a molecular biologist and neuroscientist at NYU, dives into the fascinating concept of cellular memory—how our bodies retain experiences beyond the brain. He discusses his journey from Leningrad to leading research on memory, emphasizing the intersection of biology and philosophy. The conversation reveals how non-neural cells contribute to memory and behavior, insights into learning through cellular adaptations, and the profound implications for health and personal experiences. Kukushkin challenges conventional views on memory, opening a door to new understandings of life.

Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin, a neuroscientist and molecular biologist at NYU, challenges our understanding of memory, revealing that every cell in our body can learn and adapt like neurons. He discusses how consciousness might emerge from cellular interactions, arguing that this memory is foundational to life itself. Nikolay explores the links between emotions and cellular behavior, the mysterious 'obelisks' within cells, and the potential of synthetic biology in understanding consciousness. The implications for mental health and AI ethics add a thought-provoking twist to this fascinating conversation.

Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin, a neuroscientist and author of *One Hand Clapping*, explores the emergence of human consciousness from the fundamental processes of nature. He discusses how atoms interactively evolved into complex thought and self-awareness. Using a bottom-up approach, he argues for understanding consciousness through molecular principles rather than traditional psychology. Kukushkin also delves into how simpler organisms reveal brain functions, the ancient nature of memory, and speculates on how AI could influence our evolutionary trajectory.