Brain Science with Ginger Campbell, MD: Neuroscience for Everyone

In BS 137 neuroscientist Seth Grant describes his surprising new discovery that brain complexity is controlled by a "genetic lifespan calendar" that determines the timing of brain changes through out the lifespan. We also explore the exciting implications of this discovery. Please visit http://brainsciencepodcast.com for detailed show notes and episode transcripts. Our new sponsor is The Great Courses Plus. For a free month of video streaming and downloads go to http://thegreatcoursesplus.com/ginger.   Note for Premium Subscribers: The episode transcript for BS 137 will be released later this week.

In Brain Science 136 we discuss "Language at the Speed of Sight: How We Read, Why So Many Can’t, and What Can Be Done About It" by Mark Seidenberg. We consider the disturbing gap between our scientific knowledge of reading and current education practices in the US. This episode will provide the listener with some important basics about how reading changes our brains and what is known about how children learn to read. Learning to read is not as automatic as learning to talk and when problems arise, early intervention is essential. We also consider some of the fascinating differences between written languages and how they reflect underlying differences between spoken languages. Plus---- Why speed reading is as myth! Check out the free Brain Science Mobile app for extra content. Send feedback to brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com. For more references and episode transcripts please visit http://brainsciencepodcast.com.

This episode features Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, author of How Emotions Are Made. We discuss the evidence AGAINST the classical theory that emotions are universal and hardwired, as well as her new theory of Constructed Emotions. This new theory has significant implications for how we understand ourselves and others. Detailed show notes are available at http://brainsciencepodcast.com. Bonus Content is available for Premium Subscribers and Patreon supporters. Please send feedback to brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com.

Dr. Jaak Panksepp, pioneer of Affective Neuroscience died in April 2017 at the age of 73. Because he was one of our most popular guests we are replaying his first interview from 2010. Please visit Brain Science website for detailed show notes and links to transcripts. Here are links to the show notes for his other free interviews. BS 91 Books and Ideas 51 In the next episode we will explore newer theories of emotion, but I think Dr. Panksepp's legacy is worth honoring.   Send feedback to brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com Follow Dr. Campbell on Twitter @docartemis.

Dr. Suzana Herculano-Houzel, a groundbreaking Brazilian neuroscientist known for her innovative methods in counting neurons, reveals that the average human brain contains only 86 billion neurons, debunking the long-held myth of 100 billion. She discusses the major differences in neuron counts across species and challenges established beliefs about brain functionality. The conversation highlights the impact of diet on cognitive evolution and emphasizes the significance of collaboration and mentorship in advancing scientific knowledge.

Dr. William Uttal first appeared on the Brain Science Podcast back in 2012. He was a long time critic of over reliance of certain types of brain imaging, especially fMRI, in cognitive neuroscience. Sadly, he died in February 2017, so in his honor I am replaying that original interview. The points he made are just as relevant now as they were 5 years ago. Links and References Uttal, W. R. (2011) Mind and Brain: A Critical Appraisal of Cognitive Neuroscience. Uttal, W. R. (2009) Neuroscience in the Courtroom: What Every Lawyer Should Know About the Mind and the Brain. Ihnen, S. K. Z., Church, J. A.. Petersen, S. E., & Schlaggar, B.L. (2009) Lack of generalizability of sex difference in the fMRI Bold Activity associated with language processes in adults. NeuroImage, 45, 1020-1032. Ioannidis, J. P. A. (2005). "Why Most Published Research Findings Are False". PLoS Medicine 2 (8): e124. BSP 46: How fMRI works. Announcements You can now record your voice feedback at http://speakpipe.com/docartemis. Brain Science is now 100% listener supported. You can support the show via direction donations, Premium Subscription, or Patreon.  I am planning to attend this year's Society of Neuroscience Meeting, which is being held in Washington DC November 11-15, 2017. Please email at brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com if you are going to be in Washington during those dates. If there is enough interest I will arrange a listener meet-up. I am also in the early stages of planning a trip to Australia in 2018 and would love to hear from Australian listeners for ideas and advice, including leads on speaking opportunities. Please send email feedback to brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com. Please visit http://brainsciencepodcast.com for more episodes and transcripts.

In this episode we focus on the most recent 5 years of Brain Science, looking back at our guests and topics with a focus on the question What is Mind? Since there is no consensus about this deeply human question, I am sharing how my own thoughts have grown and evolved over 10 years of reading, talking to scientists and philosophers and creating this podcast. Since this is part 2 of our 10 years celebration, I have also included some more listener feedback. Thanks to everyone who has sent me feedback since the show started in December 2006. You are the reason I hope to continue to create new episodes in 2017 and beyond. For detailed show notes and episode transcripts go to http://brainsciencepodcast.com. Send email feedback to brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode, Dr. Ginger Campbell celebrates The Brain Science Podcast/Brain Science's 10 year anniversary. This episode focuses on the first 5 years of the podcast. Find out how the show got started and listen as Dr. Campbell shares some of her most memorable episodes. We also have some listener feedback, so join us for the celebration! For complete show notes and episode transcripts go to http://brainsciencepodcast.com.   Send Dr. Campbell feedback at brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com.   Post a review in iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite app store and send us a screen shot to enter the drawing of a year of free Premium Content.

In December, Brain Science (podcast) will celebrate its 10th Anniversary. I want to include listener feedback so I posted this brief call to action. Please send your mp3 or email to brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you enjoy our sponsor Audible.com, please check out Permanent Present Tense: The Unforgettable Life of the Amnesic Patient, H. M. by Suzanne Corkin.

In episode 129, Dr. Brenda Milner comes on the show to talk about her life's work and her most famous experiments. Dr. Milner was a pioneer in the field of neuropsychology and in the study of memory and other cognitive functions in humankind. She studied the effects of damage to the medial temporal lobe on memory and systematically described the deficits in the most famous patient in cognitive neuroscience, Henry Molaison, formerly known as patient H.M.She has made major contributions to the understanding of the role of the frontal lobes in memory processing, in the area of organizing information.   For complete show notes and episode transcripts go to http://brainsciencepodcast.com.   Send Dr. Campbell feedback at brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com.   Post a review in iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite app store and send us a screen shot to enter the drawing of a year of free Premium Content.