Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

This podcast explores the surprises of brain plasticity, from the trade-off between adaptability and efficiency, to the influence of sensitive periods on language acquisition. It also discusses the variability of the brain and the possibility of unlocking its plasticity at any age.

This podcast explores the intersection between the legal system and neuroscience. It discusses topics such as the insanity defense, the Twinkie Defense, and using premenstrual syndrome as a criminal defense. The podcast also delves into real-life cases, the challenges of determining insanity, and the evolution of the insanity defense. It concludes by emphasizing the complexity of society and available resources at eagelman.com/podcast.

Eagleman answers listener questions about the importance of connections, AT&T's specialization in connectivity, BarkBox's dog treats and toys delivery service, Operation Smile's free cleft surgery for children, the government hiding evidence of aliens, the likelihood of intelligent civilizations in the cosmos, the scientific mindset, the impact of neuroscience on personal experience, and the exploration of the concept of free will.

Exploring the insanity defense in the legal system and the difficulty in determining the boundaries of 'insanity'. The case of a mother killing her children to save them from eternal punishment. Examining guilt and intent in criminal liability and the creation of the McNaughton rule. The complexities of the insanity defense and the challenge of defining the line between sanity and insanity.

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.