How We're Wired

What do you want to know about the brain? What mysteries of human behaviour do you want to understand? And what incredible awards has How We're Wired won in the 13th Annual Lovies? In this special episode, Dr Anna Machin shares some good news, and asks a quick favour... Send questions to: wired@freshairproduction.co.uk How We're Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do our brains get wired up in the womb? Why is it important that nerve cells find the correct partners to form connections? And how has our understanding of this vital process changed over the last 40 years? In this special episode, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin and producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as they uncover how our brains get wired up with Brain Prize 2023 winner Professor Christine Holt. Plus, hear them reflect on some of their favourite moments - and key takeaways - from the show. With special thanks to Christine Holt. How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How We're Wired season 1's final episode will be with you next week, but in the meantime, why not check out our sister podcast Ocean Matters? Our ocean is the earth's defining feature. But the blue of our blue planet is so much more than just a colour. It is rich with life and plays an important role in keeping our planet stable and healthy. Worryingly, we are seeing our ocean change, for the worse. In Ocean Matters, you can join oceanographer and physicist Dr Helen Czerski as she meets the scientists who are working to save our ocean and marine life in one of the most remote parts of our planet. Here you can listen to a clip as she takes us on a journey to the deep sea… How We're Wired and Ocean Matters are Fresh Air productions for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to be in a coma? How can we tell if someone on life support is actually conscious? And how can scientists use synchronised heart rhythms to predict which comatose patients are likely to wake up? In this focus episode of How We’re Wired, join producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as she explores the neuroscience of coma –  from the challenges in knowing for certain that someone isn't conscious, to novel techniques that might help families choose when to cease life support. With special thanks to Marzia De Lucia. How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens in our brains when we die? Where does consciousness come from? And what can out of body experiences teach us about how we create our own realities? In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she unpicks the neuroscience of death and consciousness, from brain activity  during near-death experiences, to the complexities of how we embody ourselves.  With special thanks to Gillian, Olaf Blanke, and Kevin Nelson. How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are some of us more susceptible to dementia? What is a 'Super Ager'? And what might help us protect our brains in later life?  In this focus episode of How We’re Wired join producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as she dives into the science of Super Agers, from the genes that increase your risk of Alzheimer's to the structural brain changes seen in those who have aged well, and  meeting a 92-year-old world traveller with a penchant for penguins.     With special thanks to Emily Rogalski and June Scott.    How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do our brains change as we get older? Why are we more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or experience a stroke late in life? And what can you do to help protect your neural health? In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she unpicks the neuroscience behind the mature brain, from the neural changes that makes most of us more forgetful, to strides in repairing brain tissue after stroke. With special thanks to Sue, Alexandra Touroutoglou, and Jocelyne Bloch. How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode. For information and support regarding stroke https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/stroke To listen to the Ticker Tapes podcast https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/podcasts  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we recognise faces? What part of the brain helps us discern a stranger from a friend? And could you be a Super Recogniser?   In this focus episode of How We’re Wired, join producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as she explores the science of facial recognition, from face blindness to the brains of those who are exceptional at recalling faces, and the tests you can do to discover if you have the skill.  With special thanks to Josh Davis.   How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we see? What parts of the brain are responsible for vision? And how can gene therapy restore sight to people living with a visual impairment?   In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she unpicks the neuroscience behind our sense of sight, from the complex computations of the retina to how gene therapy is revolutionising treatment for blindness.    With special thanks to Peter, Botond Roska, Bernard Schneider, and the Royal National Institute of the Blind.   How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does stress affect decision-making? What does burnout do to the brain? And how can parents find ways to cope with emotional exhaustion and fatigue?   In this focus episode of How We’re Wired, join producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as she explores the neuroscience of burnout, from how brain cells lose connections during chronic stress, to why we evolved fight, flight or freeze. With special thanks Sascha, Siobhan, Ciara, Rachel, Amy Arnsten, and Kendra Wilde.    How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.