Brain Matters
Brain Matters Neuroscience
Brain Matters the Podcast is an exciting way for anyone to learn about the fascinating world of neuroscience directly from the researchers who have dedicated their lives to uncovering the mysteries of the brain. Our mission is to make neuroscience accessible, relatable, and intriguing while still respecting the integrity of the science we love.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 9, 2019 • 42min
But Always See First with Dr. Roderick MacKinnon
On this episode, Anthony spoke to Dr. Roderick MacKinnon (Professor, Rockefeller University, HHMI) about ion channels, studying what fascinates you, and the importance of thinking childishly. The music on today's episode was by The Caretaker: thecaretaker.bandcamp.com
May 22, 2018 • 46min
Being Romantic and Practical with Dr. Richard Tsien
On this episode, Matt spoke to Dr. Richard Tsien (Professor & Chair, New York University). Dr. Tsien has a diverse career, contributing many important findings to the field of cellular and molecular neuroscience, with a primary focus on understanding how the brain meets the demands to process information. Matt delved primarily into Dr. Tsien's path to becoming a scientist, and his advice for anyone interested in becoming a neuroscientist. The music on today's episode was by Robby. Check out their music at listentorobby.bandcamp.com
Dec 26, 2017 • 52min
Barflies: Alcohol and Fly Genetics with Dr. Fred Wolf
Dr. Fred Wolf, an expert in alcohol and fly genetics, discusses how drugs of abuse change our genes using fruit flies. He delves into the molecular biology of alcohol consumption, the challenges in studying its effects on the brain and behavior, and the value of diversity in science. They also touch on UC Merced as a new research university and advancements in single neuron manipulations.
Apr 19, 2017 • 52min
Alzheimer's and C. elegans with Dr. Jon Pierce
On this episode of Brain Matters, we talked with Dr. Jon Pierce (University of Texas at Austin). Jon uses to C. elegans to study Alzheimer's, Down Syndrome, alcoholism, and more. Jon is currently raising money to fund undergraduate research and engagement in his lab. You can find more information at: https://hornraiser.utexas.edu/project/5559 This episode was brought to you by Maze Engineers. To get 10% off your quote visit: https://hornraiser.utexas.edu/project/5559. Thanks to Bridget and Brian for their awesome maze ideas!
Mar 7, 2017 • 49min
Space and Time with Dr. Mayank Mehta
On this episode of Brain Matters, Matt and Mayank Mehta (Professor, UCLA) talk about how rodents and human perceive space and time. Mayank has always been obsessed with time and merges physics and neuroscience to understand how the brain deals with these abstract concepts. This episode was brought to you by Maze Engineers. Get 10% off your quote by visiting mazeengineers.com/brainmatters and enter the offer code: brain. They have some incredible mazes and other neuroscience goodies so check them out.
Feb 13, 2017 • 48min
Becoming a Curious Scientist with Dr. André Fenton
What's the most important thing about being a scientist? According to Dr. André Fenton: Curiosity. Anthony and André talked about how André tinkered his way to researching learning and memory at NYU.
Jan 30, 2017 • 58min
The Nature of Nature (and the brain too) with Dr. David McCormick
This week on Brain Matters, Matt and Dr. David McCormick (Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology, Yale) start off 2017 right. On this episode you’ll get a quick briefing on the early history of neuroscience, information about Frankenstein’s monster, a look at neural circuits, and perspective from the Buddhist Monks of Tibet. You’re gonna want your cochleas ready for this one. David mentioned a ton of people and books. Here’s a list in case you wanna dive in. Major Figures in the Early History of Neuroscience: Luigi Galvani, Giovanni Aldini, René Descartes, Jan Swammerdam, Alessandro Volta, Emil de Bois-Reymond Texts David Referenced: 1. Animal Electricity (Galvani, 1791) 2. Essay on Galvanism: “Précis des expériences galvaniques faites récemment à Londres et à Calais“ (Aldini, 1803) 3. Frankenstein (Mary Shelley, 1818) 4. The Cerebellum as a Neuronal Machine (Eccles, 1967) Further Reading (if you’re into it like we are): 1. Early History of Neuroscience, Charles Gross 2. Giovanni Aldini: From Animal Electricity to Human Brain Stimulation, André Parent 3. History of Psychology, Ideas and Context (Chapter 8) King et al. We partnered with Wiley Neuroscience on this one. Follow them on twitter at @neuroscience. Shout out to their team for getting the twitter handle coveted most by neuroscientists. The music on this episode was by Noveller. The first track was “Trails and Trials” from the soon to be released album “A Pink Sunset for Noone”, the second track was “Rubicon” from the Fantastic Planet LP. Go check out and purchase her music at noveller.bandcamp.com, or at her current label, FireRecords.com
Dec 12, 2016 • 1h 5min
Engineering the Brain with Dr. Caleb Kemere
On this episode of Brain Matters, Anthony and Caleb Kemere (Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University) talk about Caleb's path to studying real time neural engineering.
Nov 13, 2016 • 6min
Bonus - SfN 2016
The Brain Matters team will be at the 2016 Society for Neuroscience convention in San Diego. Come say hey! We also got some exciting news - Brain Matters is now officially award-winning and Science-approved!
Oct 13, 2016 • 51min
Neurons, Mitochondria, and Human Evolution with Dr. Franck Polleux
On this episode of Brain Matters, Matt and Dr. Franck Polleux (Professor, Department of Neuroscience at Columbia University and the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute) cover a lot of ground. Franck talks about his work as a graduate student and the topics his lab is working on now. The Polleux lab is studying topics like neural progeneration, mitochondria in dendrites of neurons, and what makes the human brain special. This is an episode you won't want to miss.
