Podcasts about neurons

Neurologist Michelle Monje studies the close relationship between cancer and the nervous system, particularly in an aggressive brain cancer that often strikes in childhood. Her research shows that the cancer cells are electrically integrated into the brain itself and these connections actually help the cancer to grow. Monje and collaborators have now developed an immunotherapy that has shown great promise in mice and early human trials. One patient had a “complete response” and is cancer-free four years after treatment, Monje tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering's The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Michelle MonjeConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Michelle Monje, a professor of pediatric neurology at Stanford University.(00:03:39) Focus on Cancer ResearchMonje's clinical observations led to exploring cancer-neuron interactions.(00:05:28) Neurons and Glial CellsThe role of neurons and glial cells in brain function and disease.(00:08:32) Gliomas in ChildrenAn overview of gliomas and their origins in glial precursor cells.(00:10:12) Rethinking Brain Cancer BehaviorHow gliomas don't just grow—they integrate with brain circuits.(00:14:49) Mechanisms of Tumor GrowthTwo primary mechanisms by which cancer exploits the nervous system.(00:16:32) Synaptic Integration of Cancer CellsThe discovery that glioma cells form synapses with neurons.(00:20:06) CAR T-Cell TherapyAdapting CAR T-cell immunotherapy to target brain tumors.(00:22:52) Targeting GD2 AntigenIdentification of a surface marker enables precision CAR T-cell therapy.(00:24:35) Immune Access to the BrainThe ability of CAR T-cells to reach the brain, despite prior understanding.(00:26:16) First Clinical Trial ResultsThe significant tumor reduction and response from CAR T-cell therapy.(00:28:21) Combined TherapiesPairing immune therapy with neural signaling blockers for better outcomes.(00:30:35) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Dr. Ewelina Kurtys is leading the way in biocomputing at FinalSpark where she is working on the next evolutionary leap for AI and neuron-powered computing. It's a brave new world, just 10 years in the making. We discuss lab-grown human brain organoids connected to electrodes, the possibility to solve AI's massive energy consumption challenge, post-silicon approach to computing, biological vs quantum physics and more.

The role of neuronal influences on cancer pathogenesis and progression is increasingly appreciated in the nervous system. Neurons have been shown to enhance the proliferation and migration of gliomas, a glial-derived tumor of the CNS, via diffusible paracrine factors or synaptic inputs onto tumor cells. In glioblastomas, a highly aggressive glioma, mostly glutamatergic inputs have been identified. While the potential for glioblastomas to receive projections from neurons of other neurotransmitter subtypes, such as from cholinergic neurons, has recently been discovered in xenotransplantation models, whether synapses can form between human cholinergic neurons and glioblastoma cells and consequences of these inputs and other non-synaptic mechanisms are still unknown.   Human induced pluripotent stem cell-based models have been emerging as a powerful platform for studying human-specific disease mechanisms. Today's guests developed a co-culture model for the study of neuron-tumor interactions by combining patient derived glioblastoma organoids and hiPSC-derived cholinergic neurons. They will discuss their recent findings and what it means for understanding and potentially treating a tumor for which there is no known cure. GuestsGuo-li Ming, MD, PhD, Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaHongjun Song, PhD, Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Yusha Sun, Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaHostJanet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Gairdner FoundationSupporting ContentPaper link:  Cholinergic neuron-to-glioblastoma synapses in a human iPSC-derived co-culture model, Stem Cell ReportsAbout Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.X: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 5,000 members from more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.ISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsMegan Koch, Senior Marketing ManagerJack Mosher, Scientific DirectorHunter Reed, Senior Marketing Coordinator

In this episode I'm interviewing a scientist who is trying to revolutionize computing by replacing power hungry silicon gates with highly efficient biological neurons. For a present-day silicon-based computer to approach the processing power of a human brain would take MegaWatts of power—we are seeing some of these inefficiencies looking at AI systems that require massive amounts of energy to run. A human brain can do the same thing on less than 20 Watts. My guest today is a scientist who is working on the interface between brain and machine. Dr. Ewelina Kurtys is an entrepreneur with a PhD in neuroscience. After academia, she transitioned into business development and technology commercialization, advising tech companies on sales, partnerships, and market strategy. She founded Ekai Ltd to support innovation and scale in science-driven companies. Her work spans advisory roles, go-to-market planning, and translating complex R&D into real-world impact. She also speaks publicly on innovation, neuroscience, and the intersection of science and entrepreneurship. Check out the video versions on my YouTube channel. Chat with me on Facebook.

Ashley Clark discusses her paper, “Oculomotor Contributions to Foveal Crowding,” published in Vol. 44, Issue 48 of JNeurosci, with Megan Sansevere from SfN's Journals' staff. Then, Sara Patterson discusses her paper, “Cone-Opponent Ganglion Cells in the Primate Fovea Tuned to Noncardinal Color Directions,” published in Vol. 44 Issue 18 of JNeurosci. Find the rest of the Spotlight collection here. With special guests: Ashley Clark and Sara Patterson Hosted by: Megan Sansevere On Neuro Current, we delve into the stories and conversations surrounding research published in the journals of the Society for Neuroscience. Through its publications, JNeurosci, eNeuro, and the History of Neuroscience in Autobiography, SfN promotes discussion, debate, and reflection on the nature of scientific discovery, to advance the understanding of the brain and the nervous system.  Find out more about SfN and connect with us on BlueSky, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

UCLA's Avishek Adhikari, PhD, presents new research on the role of GABAergic neurons in the brain's periaqueductal gray (PAG) region. Previously studied for their involvement in fear and defensive behaviors, these neurons were found to promote food-seeking behavior when activated—even in fully fed mice. Using calcium imaging and optogenetics, Adhikari's team discovered that these neurons are active during food approach but suppressed during eating. The effect is stronger for high-value foods like chocolate or crickets and depends on the mouse's prior experience with that food. A key finding is that these neurons influence behavior through a specific projection to the zona incerta, a subthalamic region. Rather than signaling hunger, this pathway appears to drive food seeking based on reward value, highlighting a new motivational circuit in the brain. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40444]

UCLA's Avishek Adhikari, PhD, presents new research on the role of GABAergic neurons in the brain's periaqueductal gray (PAG) region. Previously studied for their involvement in fear and defensive behaviors, these neurons were found to promote food-seeking behavior when activated—even in fully fed mice. Using calcium imaging and optogenetics, Adhikari's team discovered that these neurons are active during food approach but suppressed during eating. The effect is stronger for high-value foods like chocolate or crickets and depends on the mouse's prior experience with that food. A key finding is that these neurons influence behavior through a specific projection to the zona incerta, a subthalamic region. Rather than signaling hunger, this pathway appears to drive food seeking based on reward value, highlighting a new motivational circuit in the brain. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40444]

UCLA's Avishek Adhikari, PhD, presents new research on the role of GABAergic neurons in the brain's periaqueductal gray (PAG) region. Previously studied for their involvement in fear and defensive behaviors, these neurons were found to promote food-seeking behavior when activated—even in fully fed mice. Using calcium imaging and optogenetics, Adhikari's team discovered that these neurons are active during food approach but suppressed during eating. The effect is stronger for high-value foods like chocolate or crickets and depends on the mouse's prior experience with that food. A key finding is that these neurons influence behavior through a specific projection to the zona incerta, a subthalamic region. Rather than signaling hunger, this pathway appears to drive food seeking based on reward value, highlighting a new motivational circuit in the brain. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40444]

UCLA's Avishek Adhikari, PhD, presents new research on the role of GABAergic neurons in the brain's periaqueductal gray (PAG) region. Previously studied for their involvement in fear and defensive behaviors, these neurons were found to promote food-seeking behavior when activated—even in fully fed mice. Using calcium imaging and optogenetics, Adhikari's team discovered that these neurons are active during food approach but suppressed during eating. The effect is stronger for high-value foods like chocolate or crickets and depends on the mouse's prior experience with that food. A key finding is that these neurons influence behavior through a specific projection to the zona incerta, a subthalamic region. Rather than signaling hunger, this pathway appears to drive food seeking based on reward value, highlighting a new motivational circuit in the brain. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40444]

By David Stephen who looks at digital therapeutics in this article. A priority innovation, using AI, in medicine is simply not drug discovery or protein structures, but a solution for the side-effects of medications. There are already several useful medications for different conditions, but some side-effects can be so cataclysmic that eradicating them would be a core leap of AI for humanity. Why do medications have side-effects? If an answer is that targeting [say] a receptor could be therapeutic but would derail some other functions, then could a problem be the lack of an overall molecular configuration for functions? Can Digital Therapeutics help? Simply, say the functions of a particular segment of digestion has a molecular configuration of A1B2C3D4. Where the letters are respective molecules and the figures are their volumes. If, say, the receptors for molecule A is inhibited elsewhere, making it unavailable at the right volume for the digestive function, could it be possible to map the general configuration of molecules to functions and then prospect how to mitigate or eradicate side-effects? While it is true that the basis of functions are much more complicated, sometimes involving enzymes, proteins, ions, and so forth, it is possible to seek a rough map of functions - by ions and molecules - from several empirical data in biology. This could begin with brain science for psychiatric medications, such that data of conditions, targets, side-effects are explored for patterns, with AI. Why the brain? The brain is complex but can be functionally reductive. While there are several components of the brain for functions, neurons are correlated with most known functions - and experiences. But, neurons plus their electrical and chemical signals. Electrical signals are ions. Chemical signals are molecules. Neurons and their signals are not just responsible for memory, feelings and emotions, they mechanize regulation of internal senses [or bodily control]. They are also responsible for measures of those functions, or attributes like attention, subjectivity, intent and so forth, conceptually. Since signals are far flexible than neurons [which are cells], and they [signals] transport [and are directly correlated with] functions, it can be theorized that signals are the basis for functions. So, it is possible to develop a conceptual model of how the mind works by ions and molecules. These could then be useful to develop the basis for several functions, with AI, placing therapies and potential side-effects. Simply, to mitigate the side-effects of drugs [starting with psychiatry] using AI, it is possible to zero in [conceptually] on the ionic-molecular configurations that specify functions. Then to look at where some of those ions or molecules are present elsewhere in the body or in other brain functions, to predict what or where else might be affected, to determine how to increase the drug candidates for some conditions since configurations are already prognosticated, shaping far-reaching pre-clinical progress with AI. This can later be extended to other conditions and other parts of the body. However, psychiatry is a medical opacity, needing biomarkers that could be initially computational, and medications with fewer or less intense side-effects. There is a recent [July, 15, 2025] open question in The New Yorker, Can A.I. Find Cures for Untreatable Diseases - Using Drugs We Already Have?, stating that, "Doctors have long prescribed off-label medications, usually through trial and error or in clinical trials, but now A.I. appears poised to supercharge the practice. Earlier models needed examples of effective drugs to learn, so they were unlikely to identify promising candidates unless treatments already existed. But more advanced models can conduct what's called "zero-shot inference," nominating drug candidates for conditions without any known treatments. The tally of conceivable drug-disease combinations numbers in the tens of milli...

UCLA's Avishek Adhikari, PhD, presents new research on the role of GABAergic neurons in the brain's periaqueductal gray (PAG) region. Previously studied for their involvement in fear and defensive behaviors, these neurons were found to promote food-seeking behavior when activated—even in fully fed mice. Using calcium imaging and optogenetics, Adhikari's team discovered that these neurons are active during food approach but suppressed during eating. The effect is stronger for high-value foods like chocolate or crickets and depends on the mouse's prior experience with that food. A key finding is that these neurons influence behavior through a specific projection to the zona incerta, a subthalamic region. Rather than signaling hunger, this pathway appears to drive food seeking based on reward value, highlighting a new motivational circuit in the brain. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40444]

UCLA's Avishek Adhikari, PhD, presents new research on the role of GABAergic neurons in the brain's periaqueductal gray (PAG) region. Previously studied for their involvement in fear and defensive behaviors, these neurons were found to promote food-seeking behavior when activated—even in fully fed mice. Using calcium imaging and optogenetics, Adhikari's team discovered that these neurons are active during food approach but suppressed during eating. The effect is stronger for high-value foods like chocolate or crickets and depends on the mouse's prior experience with that food. A key finding is that these neurons influence behavior through a specific projection to the zona incerta, a subthalamic region. Rather than signaling hunger, this pathway appears to drive food seeking based on reward value, highlighting a new motivational circuit in the brain. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40444]

Send us a textHow brain synapses work and fuel themselves with fat.Episode Summary: Dr. Timothy Ryan talks about the high energy costs of synapses, the role of mitochondria and glycolysis, and challenge the long-held view that the brain relies solely on glucose by discussing new evidence that neurons burn fats from lipid droplets for fuel, especially during activity. The talk touches on metabolic flexibility, links to epilepsy treatments like ketogenic diets, neurodegenerative diseases, and future research on brain energy sources.About the guest: Timothy Ryan, PhD is a professor of biochemistry at Cornell University. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission, particularly vesicle recycling and the bioenergetics that power neural communication. Discussion Points:Synapses are tiny structures with ~100 vesicles per site (on average), converting electrical signals to chemical ones.Brain tissue is energy-hungry due to trillions of synapses (in humans), relying on local mitochondria (present in only ~half of synapses) and glycolysis.Vesicles use proton pumps and transporters to concentrate neurotransmitters, requiring ATP to maintain gradients.Neurons are metabolically fragile; cutting fuel supply quickly impairs synapses.Dogma held brains don't burn fats, but new work shows neurons form lipid droplets (fat stores) that are invisible because constantly used for energy via beta-oxidation.Silencing neurons builds lipid droplets like resting muscle; activity speeds their breakdown, indicating demand-driven fat use.Inhibiting neuron-specific fat-processing enzymes accumulates droplets and induces torpor (hibernation-like state) in animals, signaling metabolic stress.Ketogenic diets aid epilepsy by shifting to ketones; fats may explain this, with potential ties to aging and neurodegeneration like Alzheimer's.Brain may be a "hybrid" fuel user (glucose + fats), with open questions on fat sources and roles in cognition or disease protection.Related episode:M&M 158: Ketosis & Ketogenic Diet: Brain & Mental Health, Metabolism, Diet & Exercise, Cancer, Diabetes | Dominic D'Agostino*Not medical advice.Support the showAll episodes, show notes, transcripts, and more at the M&M Substack Affiliates: KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + potassium, calcium & magnesium, formulated with kidney health in mind. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Code MIND for 10% off Readwise: Organize and share what you read. 60 days FREE through link SiPhox Health—Affordable at-home blood testing. Key health markers, visualized & explained. Code TRIKOMES for a 20% discount. MASA Chips—delicious tortilla chips made from organic corn & grass-fed beef tallow. No seed oils or artificial ingredients. Code MIND for 20% off For all the ways you can support my efforts

In the second episode of this two-part series, Dr. Jeff Ratliff and Dr. Claire Henchcliffe discuss how she advises patients and families on the future of stem cell therapy and Parkinson disease. Show reference: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08845-y  

In the first part of this two-part series, Dr. Jeff Ratliff and Dr. Claire Henchcliffe discuss the important lessons learned from these results. Show reference: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08845-y   

Dr. Jeff Ratliff talks with Dr. Claire Henchcliffe about the study's key findings while emphasizing the importance of educating patients about stem cell therapies and the ongoing advancements in this field.  Read the related article in Nature. Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org. 

What if the future of computing isn't silicon... but neurons?In this episode, we explore a radical new frontier where biology and technology come together — programming living neurons as processors.I am joined by Dr. Evelina Curtis of FinalSpark, a pioneering scientist bridging neuroscience and AI. We unpack the astonishing potential of bioprocessors—miniaturised clusters of human neurons that can process and store data while consuming a fraction of the energy traditional systems demand.Evelina reveals how her team is learning to "program" neurons using electrical and chemical signals to store information — not to replicate the brain, but to unlock new, energy-efficient forms of computing.We cover the challenges of working with living cells, how neuron-based processors may outpace silicon chips in energy efficiency, and what it means for AI, medicine, and beyond.From sci-fi to serious science, this episode pushes the limits of what's possible in computational neuroscience.“We're building processors from living cells.” – Dr. Evelina CurtisYou'll hear about:·      Neurons being significantly more energy efficient than traditional computing methods.·      How FinalSpark aims to program neurons to perform computational tasks.·      Why maintaining the health of neurons in a lab setting is crucial for research.·      Investment being needed to accelerate the development of neuronal computing.·      Ways neuronal computing has potential applications in drug development and brain interfaces.·      Ethical considerations arise when discussing programming living neurons.·      The future of computing may involve a blend of biological and digital technologies. Connect with Dr. Ewelina KurtysLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewelinakurtys/ Website - https://www.ewelinakurtys.com/  Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavison100/ If you need any lab equipment:Grant Instruments: https://www.grantinstruments.com/ Grant Instruments on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-instruments-cambridge-ltd/ 

In this episode of Spinal Cast, we're joined by Dr. Murray Blackmore – renowned for making complex biology accessible. He breaks down the incredible science behind spinal cord repair, from neurons and axons to the genes that guide regeneration. His groundbreaking research explores how mimicking gene activity could help severed axons reconnect, offering real hope for recovery after spinal cord injury. We also discuss a critical issue: potential cuts to NIH and federal research funding. Dr. Blackmore shares what's at stake if these cuts go through – and why the future of innovation depends on continued support. This is a must listen! A professional bio for Dr. Blackmore can be found here: https://www.marquette.edu/biomedical-sciences/directory/murray-blackmore.php Special thanks to Dr. Blackmore for being our guest! This production is a collaborative effort of volunteers working to create a quality audio and visual experience around the subject of spinal cord injury. A special shout out of appreciation to Clientek for providing studio space and top-notch recording equipment. Most importantly, thank YOU for being part of the Spinal Cast audience! Interested in watching these episodes?! Check out our YouTube playlist! - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40rLlxGS4VzgAjW8P6Pz1mVWiN0Jou3vIf you'd like to learn more about the Morton Cure Paralysis Fund you can visit our website at - https://mcpf.org/ Donations are always appreciated - https://mcpf.org/you-can-help/

Have you ever wondered what actually makes insomnia recovery possible? In this episode, I'm going to talk about exactly that. We'll explore one of the most hopeful principles of neuroplasticity — and why it's the reason getting beyond insomnia isn't just possible… but inevitable when you understand how the brain works.You see, the human brain has the amazing capacity to change associations and shift links.And truly, is there anything more miraculous than that?In this episode, you'll learn how:Your responses play a key role in rewiring the brainInsomnia isn't a sign that something is broken, but a conditioned pattern rooted in hyperarousalChanging your brain's association with wakefulness can be a turning point in recoveryI also share a personal story that illustrates how learned fear responses can shift, and why that same shift is completely possible for you, too.Enjoy!Mentioned Resources:Ep 32: “Neurons that fire together, wire together.”Connect with Beth: 

Neurons are TRIPPY man…

We are excited to host Stephanie and Giancarlo Canavesio on this episode of the ⁠Mangu.tv⁠ podcast, interviewed by long-term friend and poet, Alexcia Panay.  Stephanie is a psychotherapist devoted to deep healing and conscious transformation. Through her work with presence embodied, she weaves compassionate inquiry with meditative practices to support clients in cultivating self-awareness and authentic expression. Trained by Dr. Gabor Mate, Stephanie brings a trauma-informed lens to her work, specialising in trauma, emotional patterns, and addiction. She empowers individuals to reconnect with their inner truth and vitality. Stephanie's presence is intuitive and grounded, making her a quiet but powerful force for lasting change.Giancarlo is a multidisciplinary entrepreneur focused on meaningful impact. He produced Neurons to Nirvana and 2012: Time for Change, through Mangusta Productions, exploring psychedelics and sustainability. He co-founded Terra Viva, a regenerative farm and founded Difuso Ibiza, revitalising historic Sa Penya homes into spaces for community and transformation. Giancarlo, bridge's media, land stewardship and regenerative living, combining creativity, discipline, and purpose. His ventures foster innovation, conscious living, and resilience. He's not just building businesses, but nurturing cultural and ecological renewal. Giancarlo and Stephanie delve into their story, the things they most admire about each other, tools for a healthy relationship, and how they alchemised difficult moments in their marriage to grow both together and individually. They discuss ISTA, Compassionate Inquiry, and other modalities, and how these approaches have enabled them to expand in their relationship and as parents.

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore the sensations of pain and pleasure, explaining how they are sensed in the body and interpreted by the brain as well as methods to control their intensity. I discuss both the hardwired mechanisms and subjective factors that shape an individual's perception of pain and pleasure. I also explain why pain thresholds vary from person to person and discuss various treatments for pain management such as acupuncture and supplements. Finally, I explain the role of key neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin in mediating our experience of pain and pleasure. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Pain & Pleasure 00:00:39 Skin, Appetitive vs Aversive Behaviors 00:02:10 Skin, Neurons & Brain 00:04:46 Brain Interpretation, Homunculus, Two-Point Discrimination Test 00:07:43 Pain & Pleasure, Subjective Interpretation 00:09:53 Sponsor: AG1 00:11:30 Tool: Pain & Expectation 00:13:08 Pain Threshold 00:14:46 Heat & Cold, Tool: Moving into Cold or Hot Environments 00:16:37 Subjective Pain, Psychosomatic, Fibromyalgia, Whole Body Pain, Acetyl-L-carnitine 00:20:54 Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, Pain Management 00:23:44 Sponsors: LMNT & Eight Sleep 00:26:36 Red Heads & Pain Threshold, Endorphins 00:28:32 Improving Pain Threshold, Dopamine 00:30:00 Pleasure, Dopamine, Serotonin; Depression, Anti-depressants 00:34:12 Pleasure & Pain Balance, Dopamine, Addiction 00:36:08 Recap & Key Takeaways Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cells in the bogong moth brain respond to astral landmarks to orient the insects in the direction they need to go.

Movement-sensing neurons that target the striatum influence a mouse's choice of action by favoring routine.

In this episode we explore spindle neurons, also known as von Economo neurons (VENs), discovered by Constantine von Economo in the 1920s. These large, cylinder-shaped cells, found in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), anterior (or called frontoinsula) insula, and rarely the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), are crucial for rapid communication in social behaviors. Three key points stand out: first, spindle neurons are located exclusively in the ACC and insula, the core hubs of the salience network, which is disrupted in autism as early as six weeks of age, as shown in a UCLA study. Second, these neurons are primarily involved in social behaviors, underpinning complex interactions in humans and other social species. Third, they are rare, found only in highly social animals like great apes, cetaceans, and possibly elephants, highlighting their evolutionary significance. In autism, increased spindle neuron density in the insula of children aged 4–14 is linked to early brain overgrowth, though this normalizes in adulthood due to pruning.The salience network, driven by the ACC and anterior insula, relies on spindle neurons to process relevant stimuli, integrate sensory data, and guide social-emotional responses. In autism, hyper-connectivity between the insula and sensory regions causes sensory hypersensitivity, while hypo-connectivity with prefrontal areas, including the DLPFC, impairs social cognition and adaptive behaviors. This disrupts the network's ability to switch between the default mode network and executive functions, often trapping autistic individuals in an internal world. Spindle neurons are also linked to disorders like frontotemporal dementia, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, and emotional dysregulation.Daylight Computer Companyuse "autism" for $25 off athttps://buy.daylightcomputer.com/RYAN03139Chroma Iight Devicesuse "autism" for 10% discount athttps://getchroma.co/?ref=autism0:00 Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount3:10 Spindle Neurons; Interesting Point #1: Salience Network6:03 Interesting Point #2: Rapid Communication & Social Behaviors7:11 "rediscovery" of Spindle Neurons in 1990s by John Allman8:30 Interesting Point #3: Highly Social Species10:57 Neuropeptide Y & Monoamine- Dopamine & Serotonin11:45 Morphology of Spindle Neurons & In Utero-Children; Social Learning12:54 Species with Spindle Neurons14:47 Small Clusters within the dlPFC15:08 Salience Network, ACC, Anterior Insula; Fulcrum for Default Mode and Executive Networks22:48 Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $25 discount27:08 Diseases/Conditions associated with Spindle Neurons29:26 The Autistic Phenotype (!!) -- The Whole Reason for the Podcast32:25 Reviews/Ratings, Contact InfoX: https://x.com/rps47586YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuAemail: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

Streamlining the problem from 3D to 1D eases the expedition—a strategy the study investigators deployed to rewire an olfactory circuit in flies.

Memories of the good parts of using drugs can people hooked - altering the neurons that store them could help treat addiction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a river of wisdom that's been flowing through human history in every culture since the beginning of civilization. It's the wise understandings of those rare individuals who were able to remember something we so often forget: who we really are as human beings. In this episode, we'll dip into that timeless stream, that many have called the Wisdom of the Ages, and explore how it flows directly into the  heart of our new project, NeuroHarmonics. This work is about more than just ideas; it's a guide that you can use to bring harmony into your own intelligence, an inner alignment that can quietly, yet profoundly transform your life. So, basically, what is the Wisdom of the Ages all about? Well, although the term may sound a bit lofty or poetic, it's far from just a throw away line. It points to something deeply real – an enduring thread of understanding that weaves through cultures, continents and centuries. It's timeless not because it ignores the changes of history, but because it speaks to something that never changes with the times; the essence of being human.  Let's look at it this way - throughout the long arc of human history, from the ancient river valleys of India and Mesopotamia to the mountains of China, the deserts of the Middle East, and the forests of the Americas, there have always been extraordinary men and women who saw the essence of life more clearly than the rest of us. They pierced the surface of things.  And even while living in the ever-shifting world of change and impermanence, they were able to reach something that they said was eternal. Their lives, their words, and often just their very presence spoke of something greater than themselves - something vast and invisible, and yet deeply and intimately known. Some became renowned spiritual teachers: Krishna, Ram, Buddha, Jesus, Moses, Mohammed. Others appeared as philosophers, sages, mystics, and shamans. Many left poems, stories, songs, and scriptures, depicting their glimpses into the higher realms of understanding. Some of their names may be less well known, but their examples are no less luminous. Of course, on the surface, these wise ones seemed vastly different. They spoke different languages, wore different clothes, lived in different lands, and practiced different rituals. But remarkably, the essence of their message was the same. To put their vast teachings into a few simple words: there is something beyond this world. Something infinite.     You can call it God. Or the Divine. Or Truth, Spirit, Source, or just the Infinite. There may be a thousand names for it—but the names don't matter. In fact, many of these teachers insisted that words can't matter. Because this Presence—this vast, formless essence—is beyond concept, beyond logic, and beyond the reach of ordinary human comprehension. Why? It's actually quite simple. For all its brilliance, human intelligence is still finite. And the finite, by its very nature, can never truly grasp the Infinite. It just can't be done. Test your own mind as an example. Try picturing a box that is so large, there is no space outside of it. Or try describing something that has no beginning and no end. Or tell me what biggest number in the world. You can't because there isn't one. Whatever number you come up with, you can always add one more and it gets bigger. So there's no such thing. That's the thing about infinity. There's no edge, no boundary, no final point. And when we try to wrap our minds around it, the circuits start to smoke and the brain just watts out. Because it's not built to contain the Infinite.    So according to the wisdom tradition, this thing that can't be understood or even named - exists. For our sake here, let's just call it the Infinite, a term that is relatively devoid of the tarnishing nature of human religious tribalism. But that's just one of the five thousand opinions my mind has churned out in the last hour. Now, what does the Wisdom of the Ages tell us about our relationship with this infinite presence, this reality that you can't define, draw or capture in a book? Well, in the simplest terms, it tells us this: we can experience it. And not only that, we can grow into it. Like a plant reaching toward sunlight, we are drawn toward that light, that warmth and that truth that seems to emanate from it.   And this idea of growth is where the Wisdom of the Ages begins. Because it's not just about belief – it's about transformation. It speaks of a journey toward inner realization, where you begin to see that you are not merely a body, not just a personality, not your thoughts, opinions, or accomplishments. You are something deeper. In essence, something sacred, something eternal that has temporarily taken human form—for the purpose of learning, of growing, of remembering. And ultimately, in a very real and quiet way... for returning. With that being said, the Wisdom of the Ages does rest on a set of core understandings—fundamental insights that form its foundation. And while these truths have appeared in every form of civilization throughout history, they are not relics of the past. Far from it. This wisdom is alive. It's woven from the highest human understandings about life—ancient, modern, and everything in between. So, let's take a brief look at some of its basic tenets. We'll touch on nine of them here, though the first one needs a little more attention than the rest.           The first core teaching is Impermanence—and at first, it can be a hard one to face. It simply says this: everything changes, and everything ends. Ourselves included. Look around with clear eyes, and it becomes obvious. From the rise and fall of empires to fleeting joys and sorrows, nothing stays the same. As the Buddha put it: “All conditioned things are impermanent. Work out your own salvation with diligence.” When we cling to what must pass, we suffer. But when we accept impermanence, we begin to live with Grace. Why does this matter? Because so much of our pain comes from forgetting that. We build our identities on outer things—titles, possessions, opinions, appearances, money—and we defend those identities as if they were permanent. But they're not. And this is what the sages warned us about. It's not that success, wealth, or recognition are wrong. It's that when we make them the foundation of who we are; we build on sand. All of it—status, stuff, praise, even the ego itself—rises and falls. Sparkles, then fades. Seems solid, then vanishes. And when our sense of self is tied to what vanishes, we suffer. We become anxious, greedy, and ultimately disappointed. We chase mirages, hoping they'll fulfill us—only to find out thatthey never really could. And worst of all, we miss the deeper reason we came here: to remember who we truly are, and to feel the joy that naturally comes with that remembrance. At least, that's what the wisdom says. Personally, I think it has a nice ring to it.   2. You Are Not Your Thoughts The second insight is deceptively simple, but not so easy to live: You are not your thoughts. From the Upanishads to modern psychology, the message is clear: You are not the mental chatter, the looping stories, or the voices of doubt and fear. You're not your résumé, your wounds, or the roles you've played. Beneath all that noise lives a deeper awareness that is luminous, spacious, and free. Most of what runs through our minds didn't originate with us anyway. We picked it up from parents, culture, trauma, media. But we end up thinking that these random thoughts are who we really are. And some of the major experts in the field haven't had such an elevated opinion of our abilities in navigating the thought field. William James for example, who is often called the father of modern psychology, once said: “Most people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.” The deeper self lives in a realm beyond all that. And rediscovering it is part of waking up. 3. Stillness Is the Gateway to Higher Knowing Stillness isn't just the absence of noise. It's the presence of something greater. As the old biblical phrase goes, “Be still, and know…” In the Taoist tradition, stillness is the source of right action—what they call wu wei, or effortless movement that flows from deep inner alignment. This knowing is not vague spirituality. It's direct experience. Not a theory, but a felt presence. Stillness is where insight arises—gently, precisely, and often when we least expect it. And the Wisdom of the Ages doesn't ask for blind belief. It invites direct experience. We all know that there is a world of difference between actually eating a delicious meal and just reading the menu. 4. Love Is the Deepest Truth and Kindness Is the Highest Power  At the heart of every great tradition is this simple truth: Love is the essence of life. Not just romance or sentiment, but love as a radiant, unshakable presence. When that love moves into action, it manifests as kindness. And kindness doesn't mean weakness—it's strength under wisdom's guidance. To grow in this kind of love is to become more fully human, which is another term for more connected to the divine. 5. You Become What You Practice This one is carved into every tradition—and now verified by neuroscience: What you repeat gets stronger. In ancient terms: “As you sow, so shall you reap.” Modern neuroscience puts it this way: Neurons that fire together, wire together. This means that your attention—and your habits—literally shape the architecture of your brain. So, what you practice daily—whether it's judgement and fear, or gratitude and patience - becomes the blueprint of your inner life. 6. Gratitude Opens the Heart and Expands Consciousness The ancient ones knew it. And now neuroscience confirms it. When you begin to see life as a gift, everything starts to shift the more grateful you become of it. And Gratitude isn't just a virtue—it's a form of perception. It quiets the craving mind and awakens a deeper presence. Suddenly, you're not waiting for “more” to feel whole. You begin to see how much has already been given. And that soft opening of the heart that you feel within? That's consciousness expanding. 7. Life Is a School for the Soul This one can change your life. When you see life as a school, everything becomes part of the curriculum. Adversity isn't punishment—it's instruction. Each loss, betrayal, or hardship carries within it a hidden message, a deeper lesson.           The soul came here to grow. And when you see that, you start to see that Life isn't happening to you. It's happening for you. And nothing—absolutely nothing—is wasted on the soul. 8. Everything Is Connected—There Is No Real Separation We live in a world of apparent separateness. But beneath the surface, everything is woven together. Ancient mystics knew this. So did the early Native Americans. As Chief Seattle said: “Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. Man did not weave the web of life—he is merely a strand in it.” Modern science agrees. From quantum physics to ecology to trauma healing, it all points to one truth: There is no such thing as alone. Only all one. 9. Your Attention Is Your Greatest Power The final tenet is the hidden key: Where you place your attention, determines what grows for you. In a world full of noise, mastering your attention is an act of power—and peace. When you begin to master your attention, you begin to master your life. Whatever you feed with your focus becomes stronger. Fear? It grows. Anger? It grows. Gratitude? It grows. Love? Presence? Joy? These grow too. The game of life changes when you realize:You are the gardener. And your attention is the sun. So, in essence the Wisdom of the Ages tells us that everything outside is temporary. But what is real within you does not fade. It was never born. It will never die. It simply is. And the bottom line is that as human beings, we have far more intelligence, love, happiness, and joyful sense of purpose than we have been taught by our current culture. And the wise ones would tell us that the way to access it all is to pause, breathe and listen. The universal power of this wisdom in not far away. It is within you right now, right here. You don't have to become anyone else.You just have to become who you already are. Tune yourself into stop chasing the illusion and start honoring the real. The path is ancient. But that's not what matters. What matters is that it is alive within us now. It begins wherever we are, and whenever we are ready. At least that's what they say. For me, this wisdom has been in the winner's circle since the beginning of recorded history so – I'll take the odds… Well, I guess this is a good time for us to stop this episode. As always, keep your eyes, mind and heart open. And let's get together in the next one.  

Oh heyyy there, fellow parent-people struggling through the beautiful chaos! In this episode, I spill ALL the tea about how that nasty little voice in your head (you know the one that's all "you're failing at this parenting gig") isn't just making YOU feel like garbage—it's actually rewiring your kid's emotional thermometer too!

What happens in your brain when Cupid's arrow strikes? As a teenager, Alison developed an intense crush on George Harrison from the Beatles. But, she wants to know, why do we develop these feelings for pop stars we've never actually met? And what potent swirl of neurochemistry drives those fierce emotions?With neuroscientist Dr. Dean Burnett and evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin as their guides, Hannah and Dara investigate everything from the brain's chemical fireworks during a crush to the evolutionary perks of love and bonding. Along the way, they dissect teenage infatuations, lifelong love affairs with football teams, and why love can feel as addictive as heroin.There's even a guest appearance from two cute rodents: the monogamous prairie voles and their more, shall we say, commitment-phobic cousins, the montane voles, who gave us early clues about the role of the ‘cuddle' hormone oxytocin. Whether you're a hopeless romantic or a hard-nosed skeptic, prepare to fall head over heels for the science of love.Contributors:Dr Anna Machin - evolutionary anthropologist and author of Why We Love Dr Dean Burnett - honorary research fellow at Cardiff Psychology School, author of The Idiot Brain and The Happy Brain. Carmine Pariante - Professor of Biological Psychiatry at King's College LondonProducer: Ilan Goodman Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Audio Production

Kimberly Snyder, author of 'The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts,' shares fascinating insights on the concept of heart coherence and its transformative power. Discover how emotions like appreciation and love can align your heart, brain, and nervous system. Kimberly also explores the 5 stages of heart coherence, shares personal experiences with emotional healing, and provides practical tools for achieving a more coherent state. As a special bonus, the episode includes a guided heart coherence meditation to help you experience the profound effects of these practices on your well-being. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode! To view full show notes, more information on our guests, resources mentioned in the episode, discount codes, transcripts, and more, visit https://drmindypelz.com/ep285 Kimberly Snyder is the 3-time New York Times bestselling author of The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts, who is the change-maker of the heart-led living and wellness movement. The founder of the holistic lifestyle brand Solluna and host of the top-rated Feel Good Podcast, Kimberly is a wellness expert, creator of the research-based HeartAlign Meditation, nutritionist and international speaker. She co-authored Radical Beauty with Deepak Chopra, and has been the go-to expert to help celebrities feel their best, including Drew Barrymore, Reese Witherspoon and Channing Tatum. Kimberly's work is featured on Good Morning America, Today, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, The New York Times, and many other publications.    Check out our fasting membership at resetacademy.drmindypelz.com. Please note our medical disclaimer.

By David Stephen There is an information problem within the larger problem of drug addiction. Illegal drug users discuss experiences, feelings and addictions, but what information do drug users have about the mechanisms of mind for those feelings, experiences or addictiveness of the drugs? This guest essay on Irish Tech News looks at the role that AI can play in solving the information problem within the larger drug addiction problem. NIH Brain Initiative Drugs effect on the mind People that are chemically dependent or those living with substance use disorder often recount experiences before, during and after using illegal drugs. They sometimes discuss the state of feeling nothing, the state of elation, the calm, and so forth. Some ascribe the continuous use to what the drugs do for them. Some also feel helpless in being addicted, while many experience several negative effects in their social and occupational lives. When a person takes a drug, what happens? This is not a question about a pathway or one [reward] chemical. This question means how drugs have an effect on the mind. For those that claim that drugs resolve their anxieties, how did the effect happen, even if it may not be true that drugs resolve anxiety? For those who claim that drugs solve their trauma, depression, and so forth, what is happening in the mind that can explain how that may have resulted? This is where AI agents come in. To discuss, display, explain, present, and express every step process for different drugs [especially stimulants and sedatives] and why they seem to have effects. There is a lot of discussion about the lack of agency or intention against saying no to drug use or its ability to overpower the cautionary ability of the mind. How does this happen, and how can this be rebuilt? AI agents Information is often a deterrent for the mind. Information is also potent to seek alternatives. Information, where robust but simplified, can be useful enough to spur changes in people and society. AI is already a powerhouse of information across knowledge areas. It also has information on drug biochemistry, but it does not have information on how the human mind works. It is possible to provide this new information in a way that would assist people living with substance use disorder to understand what is happening within, away from the opacity of the present, towards harm reduction and care. From all the evidence in neuroscience till date, there are two direct candidates, conceptually, for the human mind, electrical and chemical signals of neurons. This means that all functions and their attributes are a result of the electrical and chemical signals. So, it is possible to explain all drug effects within the mechanisms of the signals. Neurons, for example, are in clusters, according to evidence in neuroscience. It can be theorized that in clusters of neurons, electrical and chemical signals are in sets or in loops, where they interact. Also, in sets, electrical signals often have states with which they interact with chemical signals, which also have states. These [instantaneous] states become the grade or attributes that determine the extents or outcomes of the interactions. For anything to affect the human mind, it has to have an effect on sets of electrical signals or on sets of chemical signals. This is a basis for which drug use can be explained, with displays of how stimulants work and how sedatives also work. There are addictions beyond drugs that may include electronic applications, devices and so on. They also would have an effect on sets of electrical and chemical signals. There are situations where the intensity of electrical signals in interactions could be so high, or the volume of chemical signals, or one of the chemical signals in the set is so high that the space that is necessary for intent [to say no or hold], is covered, resulting in helplessness. There are also states where some of the necessary depletion in some sets of chemical signals...

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how to build endurance and describe targeted protocols to enhance different types of endurance. I discuss how endurance—the ability to sustain effort—requires the coordination of physical and mental systems driven by energy availability, brain willpower, and specific training adaptations in the muscles, heart, lungs and neurons. I explain conditioning protocols designed to enhance four types of endurance, from long-duration steady state to muscular endurance and high-intensity intervals, and how each training style triggers unique adaptations in the body and brain, such as improved mitochondrial function and oxygen utilization. Additionally, I highlight the crucial role of hydration and electrolytes, which are essential for neural function and influence the brain's willpower to sustain effort. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Follow Huberman Lab Instagram Threads X Facebook TikTok LinkedIn Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Build Endurance 00:00:50 Energy Sources, ATP, Oxygen 00:04:14 Neurons & Willpower, Glucose & Electrolytes 00:09:19 Heart, Lungs; Physiology & Performance Limiting Factors 00:10:35 Sponsor: AG1 00:12:30 Muscular Endurance, Protocol, Concentric Movements, Mitochondria 00:19:10 Sponsors: LMNT & Eight Sleep 00:22:00 Long-Duration Endurance, Efficiency, Mitochondria, Capillaries 00:25:54 High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Anaerobic Endurance, Protocol 00:32:33 High-Intensity Aerobic Endurance, Adaptations 00:35:30 Sponsor: Function 00:37:26 Brain & Body Adaptations, Heart 00:40:40 Hydration, Tool: Galpin Equation 00:42:21 Supplements, Stimulants, Magnesium Malate 00:43:11 Recap & Key Takeaways Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this episode, I am joined by Adam Safron, an independent researcher with a wild range of interests—from consciousness and free will to psychedelics, artificial life, and AI alignment. With affiliations at the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies and Michael Levin's lab at Tufts University, Adam brings a rare interdisciplinary lens to questions about mind, matter, and meaning. We explore how agency arises, what it means to align intelligent systems (both artificial and biological), and how compassion might be the ultimate protocol for thriving.

Lori Crowley, M.A., LMFT, LPCC is a therapist and coach who works with neurodivergent families and couples.  During this episode she shares some of her lived experiences and her expertise as well as the importance of taking a somatic approach to psychotherapy. We discuss so many important issues for neurodiverse couples to understand and addresss including:​How to integrate sensory differences.​Dealing with sensory overwhelm.​Neurons that fire together wire together.​Sensory resourcing.​Understanding all of our senses including vestibular, neuroception, and interoception.​Understanding being sensory seeking, sensory avoidant, neutral or a combination.​Brain story on Neuroclastic website​Logicalizing or invalidating emotions.​“Toward” energy and “Away” Energy.​Rewiring your neural pathways.​Double empathy problem.​Changing the frame in which we are holding our experiences.​Opposites can “complete” each other.​Is it a “can't” or a “won't”?​Overwhelm, lack of agency/choice and sense of imminent demise can lead to trauma.​How do I repair?  1) Create safety in the environment: Person you are interacting with needs to be seen.  Look at them through a sensory lens: 2) They need to be heard.  Hold what comes at you; 3) Teding-people want to feel respected. This can help the other person's energy relax.  Remember not to say “but”, however you can say “and”.​Unpacking some of the sensory issues in play that led to Mona moving forward on a divorce.​Understanding if it's overwhelm or lack of care?​Understand that repair may not be possible, however forgiveness can be very healing.You can contact Lori for therapy here or for coaching here.If you missed the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference you can still buy "lifetime access" to the 31 sessions and the 4 recorded Q&A sessions. To buy access to the conference sessions or to learn more about the presentation topics, presenters and the bonuses you will receive click here.You can click here also learn more about the other resources Mona offers or at the links below: Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards or WorkbookNewsletter | Instagram | Website | YouTube

Transplanted cells offer insight into human-specific properties, such as a lengthy cortical development and sensitivity to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease.

By David Stephen who looks at AI and Telehealth in this guest post. There is a new book, Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance, with the summary, "At age fourteen, Laura Delano saw her first psychiatrist, who immediately diagnosed her with bipolar disorder and started her on a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant. Delano's initial diagnosis marked the beginning of a life-altering saga. For the next thirteen years, she sought help from the best psychiatrists and hospitals in the country, accumulating a long list of diagnoses and a prescription cascade of nineteen drugs. After some resistance, Delano accepted her diagnosis and embraced the pharmaceutical regimen that she'd been told was necessary to manage her incurable, lifelong disease. But her symptoms only worsened. Eventually doctors declared her condition so severe as to be "treatment resistant." After years of faithful psychiatric patienthood, Delano realized there was one thing she hadn't tried - leaving behind the drugs and diagnoses. This decision would mean unlearning everything the experts had told her about herself and forging into the terrifying unknown of an unmedicated life." What, in the brain, becomes altered to result in a serious mental illness? Could AI map the mind and its alteration? If mind is assumed to be the same as mental, what is normal for the mind, to result in regular social and occupational functioning and what is abnormal to disrupt those? Theoretical Brain Science In the evidence, since decades of neuroscience research, the closest cells to how the mind works are neurons. However, neurons [for all they are said to do] never function without their signals: electrical and chemical. When neurons are said to fire or be active, electrical signals are involved and chemical signals as well, in general. AI for Telehealth Therapy Without Medications So, if the way the mind [or mental] works is to be understood for normal or otherwise, it is possible to describe it with neurons plus their electrical and chemical signals. Neurons are cells, like several others across the body. Their anatomy is near fixed, so it is unlikely that neurons can by themselves represent the memory of anything. This means that a neuron may not change shape to [re]present an emotion or have another for a feeling. Even in a cluster, it is unlikely that neurons would have shapes for every memory, given the large amount of memory a human may have, through the years - ranging from education, to places, people, objects, and so forth. The time it would take to change shape and the energy would be disruptive. Simply, neurons, either singular or in clusters are unable to represent memory, emotion, feelings or regulation of internal senses, with shapes or by changing shapes. If this were the case, why would electrical signals have the ability to transport the shape of a cluster of neurons to another cluster, and what would the roles of chemical signals be? To develop a concept of how the human mind works, the likeliest candidates [within the evidence in neuroscience] are the electrical and chemical signals. Not an individual electrical signal or a singular chemical signal, but electrical and chemical signals as sets or loops, available in clusters of neurons. So, every function is approximately a particular assemblage, configuration or formation of electrical and chemical signals in a set. This means that to know what a table is, differently from a window or a fan, is to have electrical and chemical signals assembled in a particular way, in interaction. Electrical and chemical signals have to interact. Electrical signals, in a set, strike for the formation available at the set of chemical signals. The instance of the strike is when memory is produced, or emotion, or feelings, or regulation of internal organs, conceptually. Also, sets of electrical signals and sets of chemical signals often have their states while interacting. These states grade or measure the extents to...

What if the cure for Parkinson's isn't just here on Earth — but also in space? In this powerful episode of Wellness at the Speed of Light, I sat down with two extraordinary women shaping the future of medicine: Dr. Jeanne Loring, a world-renowned stem cell researcher Jenifer Raub, President of Summit for Stem Cell and a Parkinson's patient-turned-advocate Dr. Loring has developed lab-grown brain organoids—tiny but powerful models of the human brain. Through a groundbreaking collaboration with NASA, her team sent these engineered neurons to space to study how microgravity affects brain aging. The results? Neurons age faster in space. A discovery that could change everything we know about Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative diseases. This research is personal for Jenifer Raub. After hearing Dr. Loring speak, she made it her mission to fund this work—raising millions and giving hope to patients worldwide. This is what happens when science, purpose, and persistence collide. And it's only the beginning. #StemCellResearch #Parkinsons #NASA #BrainHealth #SpaceMedicine #DrJeanneLoring #JeniferRaub #Neuroscience #RegenerativeMedicine #Neurodegeneration #WellnessAtTheSpeedOfLight  

Scientific Sense ® by Gill Eapen: Prof. Ziv Williams is Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Harvard division of Medical Sciences. The major goal of his lab has been to investigate neural computations that underlie motor and cognitive behavior.Please subscribe to this channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/ScientificSense?sub_confirmation=1

I do hope that I am not the only neuro-nerd out there, but even if you're not particularly fascinated by neuroscience, stick with me!   In this week's episode, I take an old-ish quote and apply it to how your kids learn, leaving you with action you can take to make learning more successful for your kids!   This is extremely helpful in working with kids with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and so many other specific learning disabilities! It also benefits those with ADHD or any learning struggles!

A few weeks ago a Patreon member sent me a paper titled "Axon-like active signal transmission" by a team at Texas A&M, Stanford, and Sandia National Laboratories. The paper discusses how the team recently transmitted a signal in an experiment. Big whoop, right? But the way they transmitted this signal is interesting because it mimics how neurons do it - self-amplification without additional devices. This result also involves a theory named the "edge of chaos". Now who can ignore that? In this brief video, I want to check out how they sent a signal through a wire.

In this episode, we explore the alarming development of lab-grown human brain tissue that is being harnessed to operate machinery, play video games, and potentially more. Researchers are pushing the boundaries of biotechnology by cultivating miniature, functional clusters of neurons capable of interfacing with external devices. We also delve into Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch-OR), a theory of consciousness proposing that self-awareness arises from quantum-level processes within neuronal microtubules. Together, these cutting-edge topics raise profound questions about the nature of intelligence, the ethics of creating and using living brain matter, and the very foundations of conscious experience.

Did you know that you can choose to train your brain just like you can train your body? Are you ready to take control of your thoughts? In this episode, Dr. Pat and I are going to explore how you can build your brain to do what you want, just like you train your body. Watch here: https://youtu.be/u0eU-a-X5h0

Support the show to get full episodes, full archive, and join the Discord community. The Transmitter is an online publication that aims to deliver useful information, insights and tools to build bridges across neuroscience and advance research. Visit thetransmitter.org to explore the latest neuroscience news and perspectives, written by journalists and scientists. Read more about our partnership. Sign up for the “Brain Inspired” email alerts to be notified every time a new “Brain Inspired” episode is released: To explore more neuroscience news and perspectives, visit thetransmitter.org. Since the 1940s and 50s, back at the origins of what we now think of as artificial intelligence, there have been lots of ways of conceiving what it is that brains do, or what the function of the brain is. One of those conceptions, going to back to cybernetics, is that the brain is a controller that operates under the principles of feedback control. This view has been carried down in various forms to us in present day. Also since that same time period, when McCulloch and Pitts suggested that single neurons are logical devices, there have been lots of ways of conceiving what it is that single neurons do. Are they logical operators, do they each represent something special, are they trying to maximize efficiency, for example? Dmitri Chklovskii, who goes by Mitya, runs the Neural Circuits and Algorithms lab at the Flatiron Institute. Mitya believes that single neurons themselves are each individual controllers. They're smart agents, each trying to predict their inputs, like in predictive processing, but also functioning as an optimal feedback controller. We talk about historical conceptions of the function of single neurons and how this differs, we talk about how to think of single neurons versus populations of neurons, some of the neuroscience findings that seem to support Mitya's account, the control algorithm that simplifies the neuron's otherwise impossible control task, and other various topics. We also discuss Mitya's early interests, coming from a physics and engineering background, in how to wire up our brains efficiently, given the limited amount of space in our craniums. Obviously evolution produced its own solutions for this problem. This pursuit led Mitya to study the C. elegans worm, because its connectome was nearly complete- actually, Mitya and his team helped complete the connectome so he'd have the whole wiring diagram to study it. So we talk about that work, and what knowing the whole connectome of C. elegans has and has not taught us about how brains work. Chklovskii Lab. Twitter: @chklovskii. Related papers The Neuron as a Direct Data-Driven Controller. Normative and mechanistic model of an adaptive circuit for efficient encoding and feature extraction. Related episodes BI 143 Rodolphe Sepulchre: Mixed Feedback Control BI 119 Henry Yin: The Crisis in Neuroscience 0:00 - Intro 7:34 - Physicists approach for neuroscience 12:39 - What's missing in AI and neuroscience? 16:36 - Connectomes 31:51 - Understanding complex systems 33:17 - Earliest models of neurons 39:08 - Smart neurons 42:56 - Neuron theories that influenced Mitya 46:50 - Neuron as a controller 55:03 - How to test the neuron as controller hypothesis 1:00:29 - Direct data-driven control 1:11:09 - Experimental evidence 1:22:25 - Single neuron doctrine and population doctrine 1:25:30 - Neurons as agents 1:28:52 - Implications for AI 1:30:02 - Limits to control perspective

Neurons have long enjoyed a kind of rock star status. We think of them as the most fundamental units of the brain—the active cells at the heart of brain function and, ultimately, at the heart of behavior, learning, and more. But neurons are only part of the story—about half the story, it turns out. The other half of the brain is made up of cells called glia. Glia were long thought to be important structurally but not particularly exciting—basically stage-hands there to support the work of the neurons. But in recent decades, at least among neuroscientists, that view has faded. In our understanding of the brain, glia have gone from stage-hands to co-stars.   My guest today is Dr. Nicola Allen. Nicola is a molecular neuroscientist and Associate Professor at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California. She and her lab study the role of glial cells—especially astrocytes—in brain function and dysfunction.   Here, Nicola and I talk about how our understanding and appreciation of glial cells has changed. We do a bit of Brain Cells 101, reviewing the main division between neurons and glia and then sketching the subtypes within each category. We discuss the different shapes and sizes of glial cells, as well as the different functions. Glia are an industrious bunch. They're involved in synapse formation and pruning, the production of myelin, the repair of injuries, and more. We also talk about how glial cells have been implicated in various forms of brain dysfunction, from neurodegeneration to neurodevelopmental syndromes. And how, as a result, these cells are attracting serious attention as a site for therapeutic intervention.   Well, it's that time of year again folks. Applications are now open for the 2025 Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute, or DISI. This is an intense program—highly interdisciplinary, highly international—for scholars and storytellers interested in all forms and facets of intelligence. If you like thinking about minds, if you like thinking about humans and animals and plants and AIs and collectives and ways they're alike and different—you would probably like DISI. For more info, check out disi.org—that's D-I-S-I dot org. Review of applications begins March 1st, so don't dally too too long.   Alright friends—on to my conversation with Dr. Nicola Allen. Enjoy!   Notes and links 3:00 – Correction: “glia” actually comes from the Greek—not the Latin—for “glue.” 3:30 – See this short primer on glia by Dr. Allen and Dr. Ben Barres. For a bit of the history of how glial cells were originally conceived, see this article on Ramón y Cajal's contributions to glia research. 10:00 – On the nascent field of “neuroimmunology,” see here. 14:00 – On the idea that “90% of brain cells are glia” see this article by (former guest) Suzana Herculano-Houzel. 18:00 – The root “oligo” in “oligodendrocyte” means “few” (and is thus the same as the “olig” in, e.g., “oligarchy"). It is not related to the “liga-” in “ligament.” 28:00 – On the idea that the glia-neuron ratio changes as brains grow more complex, see again the article by Dr. Herculano-Houzel. 30:00 – See Dr. Allen's paper on the idea of glia as “architects.” See also Dr. Allen's paper on the idea of glia as “sculptors.” 33:00 – See Dr. Allen's paper on the idea of the “tripartite synapse.” 42:00 – A recent paper reviewing the phenomenon of adult neurogenesis.  48:00 –  See Dr. Allen's recent review of the role of astrocytes in neurodegeneration. 51:30 – A recent article on the roles of APOE in Alzheimer's.   Recommendations Glia (2nd edition), edited by Beth Stevens, Kelly R. Monk, and Marc R. Freeman   Many Minds is a project of the Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute, which is made possible by a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation to Indiana University. The show is hosted and produced by Kensy Cooperrider, with help from Assistant Producer Urte Laukaityte and with creative support from DISI Directors Erica Cartmill and Jacob Foster. Our artwork is by Ben Oldroyd. Our transcripts are created by Sarah Dopierala.   Subscribe to Many Minds on Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also now subscribe to the Many Minds newsletter here! We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions. Feel free to email us at: manymindspodcast@gmail.com.    For updates about the show, visit our website or follow us on Twitter (@ManyMindsPod) or Bluesky (@manymindspod.bsky.social).

In this episode, we discuss critical vulnerabilities in Ivanti Connect Secure and Policy Secure, command injection risks in Aviatrix Network Controllers, and the risks posed by hijacked abandoned backdoors. Episode Links and Topics: More Governments Backdoors in Your Backdoors https://labs.watchtowr.com/more-governments-backdoors-in-your-backdoors/ Researchers reveal how expired domains linked to abandoned backdoors can be hijacked, exposing systems to further compromise. Security Update: Ivanti Connect Secure, Policy Secure, and Neurons for ZTA Gateways https://www.ivanti.com/blog/security-update-ivanti-connect-secure-policy-secure-and-neurons-for-zta-gateways Ivanti addresses critical vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-0282, CVE-2025-0283) in their secure gateway products, with active exploitation in the wild. CVE-2024-50603: Aviatrix Network Controller Command Injection Vulnerability https://www.securing.pl/en/cve-2024-50603-aviatrix-network-controller-command-injection-vulnerability/ A command injection vulnerability in Aviatrix Network Controllers allows unauthenticated code execution, posing severe risks to network environments.