Big Brains

Nicholas Hatsopoulos, a University of Chicago neuroscientist, explores how brain signals can control robotic limbs and restore sensory feedback. He discusses why hand function and touch matter, how neural implants decode movement intentions, and the challenges of making artificial limbs feel natural. The conversation also looks at imagined movement, brain-controlled devices, and a future of home-based neuroprosthetics.

Thomas Gajewski, a University of Chicago professor and cancer immunotherapy researcher, discusses training T cells to attack tumors and why some cancers resist immune therapies. He explores the surprising role of the gut microbiome in boosting treatment, mouse-to-human microbiome findings, and emerging strategies like diet, probiotics, and precision immunotherapies.

Shigehiro Oishi, a University of Chicago psychology professor who studies well-being and meaning, explores a third path to fulfillment: psychological richness. He discusses novelty, perspective-changing experiences, everyday variety, and why negative surprises can deepen life. Short, thought-provoking takes on staying put versus exploring and balancing productivity with exploration.

Marc Berman, a University of Chicago psychology professor who studies how natural environments shape attention and health. He explores soft fascination and why nature restores focus. He links greenery to better recovery, lower crime, and improved urban health. He discusses simulated and artificial nature and practical design ideas for homes, schools, and cities.

Dana Suskind, surgeon, pediatrician, and author focused on early childhood development, discusses raising kids amid pervasive AI. She contrasts real caregiving with simulated empathy. She outlines practical habits like tuning in, talking more, and turn-taking. She warns against outsourcing attachment to machines and calls for policies that protect human connection.

Sarah Newman, University of Chicago anthropologist and author of Unmaking Waste, explores how past societies reused materials and why modern disposability arose. She traces trash from ancient Maya middens to today’s plastics. Conversations cover cultural definitions of waste, the limits of recycling, and why systemic redesign of products is needed to truly unmake waste.

Marshini Chetty, a University of Chicago computer science professor studying human–computer interaction and deceptive online design. She breaks down how websites use roach-motel tactics, fake urgency, hidden defaults and visual tricks to steer behavior. The conversation also covers AI’s role in new manipulation risks and large-scale findings of deceptive practices across shopping sites.

Fred Chong, a computer scientist building practical quantum architectures; David Awschalom, a physicist linking quantum sensing and regional ecosystems; Nadya Mason, a molecular engineering dean advancing quantum materials. They demystify quantum basics, contrast current and future technologies, explore regional collaboration and workforce needs, and separate hype from real hurdles in building useful quantum systems.

Nicholas Epley, behavioral science professor at Chicago Booth and author on social cognition, explores why we avoid connection despite its benefits. He highlights experiments where strangers chatting improved commutes. Short stories and practical steps show how small choices, curiosity, and honest kindness can bridge isolation and build closer everyday ties.

Douglas Diamond, Nobel Prize–winning economist and University of Chicago professor famed for his work on bank runs. He discusses the Fed’s lender-of-last-resort role and why leadership and independence matter. He revisits recent bank runs, the rise of shadow banking, and risks from rolling back regulation.