On Humans

Joining the discussion is Matthew Cobb, a renowned neuroscientist and author of 'The Idea of the Brain,' who dives into the intriguing history and limits of neuroscience. He elaborates on Galen's groundbreaking pig demonstration and the emergence of brain localization theories. Cobb discusses how drug discoveries in the 1950s shaped public perception, while highlighting the enigmatic nature of brain plasticity. He reflects on whether we can crack the neural code and shares insights on how studying the brain has influenced his understanding of humanity.

Judy Grisel, a neuroscientist and former addict, dives into the science of addiction and brain chemistry. She explores how dopamine shapes our desires and how substances like alcohol can sedate while rewarding. Grisel discusses the varied impacts of serotonin, contrasting SSRIs with psychedelics, and explains how modern behavioral addictions mirror drug-like effects. With hope for recovery, she emphasizes the importance of channeling cravings into positive pursuits and the empowering aspects of understanding addiction.

Join neurologist Pria Anand, author of The Mind Electric, as she dives deep into the intricacies of consciousness and the brain’s architecture. Anand reveals the musicality of sleep and the mysteries of REM and slow-wave sleep. She discusses the fascinating implications of seizures and how the split-brain findings illustrate the left hemisphere’s role in storytelling. Explore the nuanced relationship between memory and pain as she sheds light on the emotional capacities of the cerebellum. A captivating mix of science and humanity awaits!

Dean Falk, a paleo-neurologist, dives into the intriguing complexities of human brain evolution. She challenges conventional wisdom about brain size and cognitive function, highlighting how bipedalism influenced anatomical changes. Falk also discusses the unique aspects of Einstein's brain and the significance of areas like Broca's area in language development. Through fascinating case studies, she unravels the intricate relationship between brain morphology and our evolutionary journey, shedding light on the mysteries that make us human.

In a captivating discussion, Suzana Herculano-Houzel, a Brazilian neuroscientist and professor at Vanderbilt University, delves into the intriguing world of brain evolution. She challenges the long-held belief that larger brains mean higher intelligence, emphasizing neuron counts instead. Herculano-Houzel highlights the evolutionary advantages of cooking and technology, and how they shaped our cognitive abilities. With fresh insights on the cerebral cortex's role in decision-making, she explores human uniqueness while comparing our brains to those of other species, painting a new picture of intelligence and longevity.

The podcast delves into the Great Divergence, questioning why Asia stagnated as Europe rose. It examines the economic contrasts between Britain and India, probing whether colonialism enriched Britain at India's expense. The discussion on silver wages reveals stark disparities in labor earnings. Colonial legacies, particularly in education and agriculture, are scrutinized, challenging notions of mere economic devastation. Ultimately, it highlights the vital role of primary education in shaping India's future, sparking reflections on history's lasting impacts.

Andrea Matranga, an economic historian at the University of Torino, explores the intriguing connections between agriculture, climate change, and human history. He discusses the paradox of the Neolithic Revolution, where early farming led to harder lives for many. Delving into the crucial role of climate shifts, he explains why certain regions, like Sudan, didn’t adopt farming despite favorable conditions. Unexpectedly, this journey even ties back to the movements of Jupiter—a blend of history, environment, and celestial influences that reshapes our understanding of farming's origins.

Tirthankar Roy, a Professor at the London School of Economics and author of 'The Origins of Colonialism', delves into the intricate relationship between climate and colonialism. He argues that European powers initially focused on trade over governance, with local environmental factors playing crucial roles. Discussing British dominance in India, Roy highlights the strategic importance of coastal regions and how access to water shaped agriculture and state stability. He connects these insights to broader colonial dynamics, revealing the complexities of imperialism across Asia and Africa.

Jessica Thompson, a Yale professor and researcher at the Peabody Museum, unravels the intricate link between climate and human evolution. She discusses how ancient climate changes may have driven our ancestors from jungles to savannas, contributing to the development of tool use and meat-eating. The episode dives into the importance of fire, the nutritional benefits of bone marrow for brain development, and the impact of cultural adaptations in shaping modern humanity. It’s a thrilling exploration of resilience and the unpredictable nature of climate in our evolutionary journey.

Augustín Fuentes, a Princeton Professor of biological anthropology and author of 'Sex Is a Spectrum', discusses the complexities of human sex and gender. He challenges the binary view of male and female, emphasizing that biological categories are not so clear-cut. Their conversation touches on fascinating animal examples, from hermaphroditic worms to sex-changing fish, and critiques traditional gender roles in caregiving. Fuentes advocates for understanding sex and gender as a spectrum, prompting a deeper look at human nature and relationships.