Explore the concept of brain plasticity and how the brain can change through practice and perception. Learn about the Polgar Sisters, world champion chess players, and how their extensive practice shaped their brains. Discover how neurotransmitters like acetylcholine modulate neural plasticity and the physical changes observed in the brains of London taxi drivers. Reflect on the modifiability of the brain and its importance in learning, as well as the challenges of studying the effects of growing up with the internet.

Delve into the concept of intelligence, including the limits and experiences of different levels. Explore the complexities of bat intelligence and the challenges in understanding and defining it. Discover the relationship between memory capacity and problem-solving skills. Dive into intelligence beyond working memory capacity and the complexities of AI. Question the nature of intelligence stored in vast networks of information and whether we can define and understand it before being overtaken.

Delve into the mysteries of time perception with David Eagleman as he explores the use of a gun at the Olympics, the challenges our brains face in accurately perceiving time, the potential for using a flash of light to start a race, and how the brain synchronizes sensory information to create our conscious perception of the world. Discover the phenomenon of temporal recalibration, its connection to schizophrenia, and the potential implications for understanding the brain's construction of reality.

Exploring the concept of reversing death and freezing bodies for future revival, the podcast delves into the challenges and ethical implications involved. The speakers discuss scientific advancements in the field, including research on cell functionality in pig brains and the potential for organ transplantation. They also touch on the history of brain death and the ongoing research in redefining death, raising questions about the ethical implications and the role of legislation and hospital ethics committees.

Eagleman answers listeners questions, debunks the myth of only using 10% of our brain, explores empathic responses, discusses the ineffectiveness of the Implicit Associations Test in courtrooms, and addresses questions about dreams and memory.

Explore auditory illusions, pareidolia, visual experiences, and the ambiguity of perception. Discover the intriguing nature of human perception through the viral dress illusion debate. Delve into the brain's construction of perception and the role of assumptions in shaping our perceptions. Learn how our brain processes ambiguous signals and imposes meaning on them. Understand how our expectations and prior assumptions determine what we see and hear. Uncover the power of assumptions in shaping interpretations and experiences.

Can we understand ourselves by studying molecules? The connection between passport color and schizophrenia. The complexities of genetic predispositions for criminal behavior. The relevance of biology for self-knowledge. The interplay of genes, environment, and behavior. The impact of genetics and life circumstances on depression. The complex relationship between nature and nurture. The limitations of understanding human experience through neuroscience. The mistake of reductionism. Unraveling the mysteries of the human brain.

Delve into the complexities of the brain and the quest for self-knowledge. Explore the limitations of introspection and the influence of unconscious processes. Discover the impact of physical brain damage on behavior and personality. Learn about the effects of narcotics on the brain and behavior. Understand the chemical composition and addictive effects of cocaine. Explore the intricate link between biology and identity.

Cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky explores the influence of language on perception and attention, discussing topics such as color perception, representation of time, black storytelling, cultural orientation awareness, orientation patterns, thinking patterns, grammar's impact on children's thinking, and the relationship between language and our brains.

Explore the possibilities and limitations of mind-reading technology, including portable brain scanning in airports. Discover the incredible potential of brain-computer interfaces in controlling the outside world. Learn about the decoding of words from brain signals and the complex nature of thoughts. Understand the challenges of brain interpretation and understanding someone's thoughts and emotions. Find out how to access more podcast content and enjoy some travel and sale advertisements.