Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

In this discussion, neuroscientist Sergey Stavisky, co-director of the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab, explores groundbreaking brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). He explains how paralyzed individuals can control robotic arms and regain speech through brain signals. The conversation dives into ethical concerns surrounding privacy and data ownership, as well as future possibilities of reading covert thoughts. Stavisky also shares insights on the engineering challenges and advancements, predicting that BCIs for communication may become a reality in just five years.

Bethanie Maples, a researcher in education and founder of Atypical AI, explores how science fiction acts as a cultural R&D lab. She discusses the influence of AI tutors and the ethical dilemmas of robot companions, including liability if they commit crimes. Maples delves into challenges in creating personalized AI while tackling issues like monetization versus public access. The conversation also touches on identity, with intriguing thoughts on digital copies and emotional connections to ancestral replicas. Sci-fi themes help us navigate our technological futures.

Ben Rein, a neuroscientist and author of 'Why Brains Need Friends,' dives into the fascinating world of social neuroscience. He explains why human brains crave social interaction and how isolation can trigger stress responses. The duo discusses the evolutionary roots of our need for connections and the cognitive benefits of socializing, such as building brain reserve. Rein also critiques AI chatbots as substitutes for real human interaction, addresses social media's detrimental effects on mood, and highlights the bonding power of dogs.

Explore the fascinating concept of time with insights into why we don't notice eye movements during saccades. Discover how the brain constructs reality, editing our perception like a movie. Delve into the mysteries of sleep and anesthesia, where hours vanish and consciousness disconnects. Hear intriguing discussions on memory, amnesia, and how entire chapters of life can be erased. Plus, ponder the possibility of civilizations lost to deep time, reminding us how easily history might slip away.

This week features Paul Bloom, a renowned psychology professor and author, who explores the complexities of loneliness and the role of AI companions. He discusses loneliness as a key biological signal that drives social connections and reveals the differing impacts of AI on the old versus the young. Bloom argues that while AI can provide comfort for isolated individuals, it might also hinder social growth by removing necessary challenges. The conversation tackles ethical implications of AI in human relationships, revealing both its promise and peril.

Cognitive scientist and linguist Steven Pinker dives into the nature of communication and common knowledge. He explores why people often use innuendo on dates and how it helps maintain relationships. Pinker discusses how shared beliefs shape society, touching on issues like cancel culture and mob behavior. He also explains how human emotions like blushing and laughter serve as crucial social signals. With insights from his book, he illuminates the complex interplay between language, awareness, and societal coordination.

In this engaging discussion, Ramesh Raskar, a professor at MIT Media Lab and an innovator in decentralized AI, shares fascinating insights about the evolution of intelligence in both humans and artificial systems. He explores the parallels between complex neural networks of the brain and decentralized AI, highlighting the transformative potential of small AI agents in healthcare. Raskar emphasizes the importance of ethical frameworks as these technologies develop and reflects on how cooperative and competitive dynamics shape both human cognition and AI advancements.

What if AI could enhance our humanity? Dive into discussions about AI's transformative impact on communication, creativity, and even strategic games like chess and Go. The podcast explores the potential of AI to challenge our perceptions and push the boundaries of human talent. It raises thought-provoking questions about how technology influences debate and public opinion. Plus, the journey from personal computers to AI reveals ethical implications we all must consider as we integrate these innovations into our lives.

In this conversation with Bruce Hood, a developmental psychologist and author of *Super Sense*, the exploration of why our brains embrace superstition is captivating. Hood discusses how humans assign meaning to objects, like wearing a murderer’s sweater, and the childhood roots of magical thinking. The interplay between rationality and cultural myths reveals deep psychological insights. Additionally, he delves into cognitive biases behind our belief in the unbelievable and how emotional attachments shape our identities, connecting all of this to everyday life.

Join Matthew Cobb, an evolutionary neurobiologist from the University of Manchester and author of The Idea of the Brain, as he delves into the mysteries of the human brain. Discover how historical theories have evolved alongside technology, from skull bumps to AI. He discusses the legacy of Frankenstein and the intricate relationship between brain function and our understanding of consciousness. Get insights into brain plasticity, the limitations of machine metaphors, and the evolving interplay between neuroscience and artificial intelligence.