Podcasts about synapses

Episode 131 In part 24 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with Dr Taylor Thomas. She is an interdisciplinary scholar, artist, and educator specializing in philosophy and religion. Currently, she serves as a part-time philosophy instructor and a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Mind and Culture. Her research focuses on developing interdisciplinary frameworks to address moral agency in today's complex world, aiming to overcome challenges that suppress awareness, freedom, and opportunity. In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Thomas engages in creative endeavors, aiming to make existential musings tangible and relatable through multimedia experiences. She is also the host of the "Tillich Today" podcast, which explores the ideas of theologian and philosopher Paul Tillich.   https://taylormariethomas.squarespace.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tillich-today/id1725855909 https://www.youtube.com/@BYTE-GEIST   Sinai and Synapses - https://sinaiandsynapses.org/   Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis 

Episode 130 In part 23 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with Dr Fred Ledley. He is a professor of natural & applied science and management at Bentley University in Waltham, MA and director of the center for integration of science and industry. A physician and pediatrician by training, he has performed research in genomics on the faculties of the Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and founded several biotechnology companies focused on gene therapy or personalized medicine. A widely published researcher, his current work focuses on advancing the translation of scientific discoveries for public value by developing synergies between science, medicine, business, and public policy. He has previously participated in the national, NIH-funded program in “Genetics, Religion and Ethics”, part of the ELSI program of the Human Genome project, and a Templeton-funded program “New Visions in Science, Nature and Religion” at US Santa Barbara. He has written a novel, Sputnik's Child, which explores how science and technology became a faith for members of the baby boom generation and the limits of this faith. He plays clarinet in Shpilkes Klezmer Band and has served on the board of the Boston Jewish Music Festival, Jewish Arts Collaborative, and Celebrity Series of Boston. He joined in a Bnai Mitzvah with his wife, Tamara, at age 31, occasionally reads Torah and serves as darshan as a member of Temple Aliyah in Needham MA, and considers music, hiking the forest, and observing solar eclipses to be spiritual experiences. Check out his book, "Sputnik's Child" here - https://amzn.to/4dgiZAD   Sinai and Synapses - https://sinaiandsynapses.org/   Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis 

This Easter on The Lisa Burke Show, neuroscientist and newly baptised Christian Baroness Susan Greenfield reflects on a life of scientific discovery, spiritual awakening, and the enduring quest to understand consciousness. In this exclusive for The Lisa Burke Show, we welcome one of the most visionary minds of our time—a scientist, entrepreneur, author, and House of Lords peer who has dedicated her life to researching the brain and consciousness, and now journeys inward toward faith. This Easter Sunday, as the season of renewal and rebirth arrives, it is a profound privilege to share with you a conversation that speaks to the mind and the soul, with a science icon of mine. For the first time, newly baptised Baroness Susan Greenfield will mark this Easter as a Christian. Classics to Pharmacology Baroness Susan Greenfield began her intellectual life immersed in Ancient Greek and Latin thanks to an inspirational teacher, and it was there that the seeds of her fierce curiosity took root. For Susan, the Classics developed a rigorously disciplined way of thinking: a mental gymnasium that trained her to ask the deepest questions of what it means to be human. “The Romans and Greeks dealt with love, fate, identity - questions we still grapple with. We've advanced technologically, but philosophically? Not much.” This foundation in classics led her, perhaps surprisingly, into science. Encouraged by a bold Oxford pharmacologist who told her she could “tell us about Homer during the coffee break,” despite not knowing the basics of chemistry, Susan entered neuroscience. Since then, she has gone on to lead research groups at Oxford and founded the biotech company Neuro-Bio Ltd, devoted to early-stage diagnostics and interventions for Alzheimer's disease. Susan is also affiliated with the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, where she confronts one of our century's greatest challenges: how to extend our health span, alongside lifespan. Alzheimer's, Cognitive Capital & Consciousness The Alzheimer's research Susan leads is revolutionary. She and her team have devoted over 40 years to identifying molecules that could stop neuronal death potentially before symptoms even begin. With a latency window of 10 to 20 years between brain degeneration and visible symptoms, Susan envisions a three-step screening model, starting at home, to catch the disease early enough for real prevention. Yet she is just as passionate about prevention through lifestyle. Cognitive capital may well be the new GDP. A daily life filled with rich conversation, curiosity and mental stimulation is just as vital to our brains as sleep or diet. “The brain should be part of the school curriculum,” Susan insists. “Ten-year-olds can grasp it. It's their brain, their identity. Why should they wait until university?” Susan's take on consciousness brings us to a realm we haven't quite been able to grasp yet in words or measurement. “It's subjective, immeasurable… and that makes it terrifying for many scientists.” She distinguishes between the brain, the mind and consciousness. And then there is the soul. Faith and the Soul “I think the riddle of consciousness is somehow tied up with what we call the soul,” she muses, a space she now embraces more openly. Raised in a home divided between Jewish and Christian grandparents, married to a self-proclaimed atheist, Susan has now found faith in her own way. “I feel a deeper sensitivity to faith now,” she confides. “I believe in God more than I used to.” Her faith journey culminated in a quiet baptism last year. “This Easter,” she says, “feels like my first.” For a neuroscientist whose every instinct is to explore and analyse, this act of surrender is to someone bigger than oneself. It doesn't conflict with her science; it deepens it. “Consciousness may vary in degrees,” she says, “like sleep or anaesthesia. So why not faith?” Female leadership A scientist style icon, Susan has always been unapologetically herself. “I cultivated my look as a kind of armour,” she explains, “but it also reflects who I am—curious, expressive, unwilling to conform.” Now as a CEO, Susan calls on all of us, especially women, to invest, support, and mentor. Indeed, only 2% of venture capital still goes to women. “Leadership,” she says, “is about vision, not control. It's about showing what's possible.” She embodies this truth in every aspect of her life—from the lab to the Lords. Legacy is in addressing the big questions In reflecting on her legacy, Susan doesn't cite awards. She returns, instead, to the passion of discovery. “Just doing the science is the reward,” she says, echoing physicist Richard Feynman. And to young people unsure of their path, she offers the same wisdom that has shaped her own life: don't be afraid to ask the big questions. “It's better to ask some of the questions than to know all the answers.” Happy Easter in whatever way you plan to spend the weekend. To follow more from Susan Greenfield:


Episode 128 In part 22 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with Dr Ciara Reyes-Ton. She is a biologist, science writer, and editor who is passionate about science communication to faith communities. She has a Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. She has served as Managing Editor for the American Scientific Affiliation's God & Nature Magazine. She is currently the Digital Content Editor for BioLogos and an Adjunct Professor at Lipscomb University. She also recently helped found the Science Communicators of Faith (SCF), a group dedicated to providing a supportive, collaborative, and Christ-centered community for people of all backgrounds and skill levels to grow in the craft of science communication. She is also the author of “Look Closely,” a science and faith devotional that explores the life of Christ by bringing scripture in conversation with science, from water-walking lizards to dividing cells and resurrecting corals. Outside science, she has a heart for worship and is a proud mom. https://www.mountcarmell.com/   Sinai and Synapses - https://sinaiandsynapses.org/   Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis 

In this episode of Fintech Chatter, Dexter Cousins interviews Julian Fayad, CEO of LoanOptions.ai about the challenges and advantages of bootstrapping a fintech company from the ground up. LoanOptions.ai aims to revolutionise the loan application process. Julian shares insights into how they're using AI to build a mobile first loan application process.Julian first appeared on the show in 2023. We chat about his progress and the lessons he has learned over the past two years. Julian also talks about the transition from a broking business to a technology-focused company, and the launch of Synapses, the API services hub for Fintech! We also discuss the launch of HAILO and LoanOptions.ai, expansion into New Zealand and future plans for market expansion into the US and UAE.Find out more: https://loanoptions.aiChapters00:00 The Bootstrap Journey of a Fintech Founder02:12 Innovating the Loan Application Process10:45 Transitioning from Broking to Technology18:04 Launching New Products and Partnerships25:49 Building an API Services Hub for Fintechs26:48 Navigating B2B Partnerships and SaaS Pricing Strategies32:05 Transitioning from Brokerage to Tech: Lessons Learned35:21 Building a Cohesive Team and Company Culture39:47 Innovative Talent Acquisition Strategies41:45 Valuable Lessons in Business Partnerships46:22 Expanding Horizons: New Markets and Future PlansSend us a textSubscribe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fintech-leaders-7092732051488980992/Connect on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3DsCJBp

This week, we are joined by Rabbi Geoff Mitelman, founding director of Sinai and Synapses, a non profit that aims to create a vision of religion that embraces critical thinking and scientific inquiry through classes, lectures, seminars, and fellowship opportunities. We discuss the benefits of constructive disagreement, the distinctions between religious, philosophical, and scientific methodologies, and the parameters of contemporary Zionism. You can learn more about Rabbi Mitelman's work at https://sinaiandsynapses.org/ or by following them on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 127 In part 21 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with Rabbi Dr Jack Shlachter.    Jack Shlachter is a physicist who worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory for over thirty years with briefer stints at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York, the Atomic Energy Agency, and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization, the latter two based in Vienna, Austria; he led both the Physics Division and Theoretical Division during his LANL career. In parallel, Jack is an ordained rabbi who led the Jewish congregation in Los Alamos for many years, was the rabbi in Center Moriches, NY, during his years at Brookhaven, and now serves as rabbi of HaMakom, a congregation in Santa Fe, NM as well as the Los Alamos Jewish Center. He has also provided itinerant rabbinic support to far-flung Jewish communities including those in Vienna, Austria,  Beijing, China, and Warsaw, Poland.   Sinai and Synapses - https://sinaiandsynapses.org/   Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis 

Episode 125 This conversation was recorded at the Sinai and Synapses alumni gathering in November 2023. In it, we talk with Dr. Briana Pobiner about the earliest cannibals, fad diets, and what life was like for our paleolithic predecessors.    When you're done with this episode, make sure to check out her other interviews as well!  https://www.downthewormhole.com/e/human-origins-part-1-with-briana-pobiner-big-questions-and-little-bones/ https://www.downthewormhole.com/e/elevating-the-discourse-with-briana-pobiner-paleoanthropologist/   Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis 

Episode 125 In part 21 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with JD Stillwater.  He is a science ambassador and author who writes and speaks about profound insights from natural reality, insights that drive paradigm shifts, and cultural awakening. He is an officer of the Religious Naturalist Association, and serves on the governing Council of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science.   JD Stillwater - https://www.jdstillwater.earth/ Sinai and Synapses - https://sinaiandsynapses.org/   Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis 

Psychologist Maria Ruberto is back to talk about one of the most important parts of our day: sleep. Starting off with the biology of sleep, Maria takes us through how we get to sleep, what happens when we sleep, and why we desperately need to sleep for good health and longevity. With metaphors galore to make the science as relatable as possible, we discuss the role of melatonin, the impact of screens on our suprachiasmatic nucleus and whether it’s worth cutting your sleep short to exercise? In more practical terms, Maria shares what sleep hygiene actually looks like, and, to Hugh and Josh’s relief, how hormones released during parenthood act to buffer against sleep deprivation. So set your sleep alarms, get comfy, and tuck yourself in for a BIG episode! Sweet dreams x If you would like to watch this full video on YouTub, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4htdJLj If you’d like to subscribe to our Patreon, A Little More Imperfects, sign up here: Patreon.com/theimperfects

Love is a focal point of our favourite movies, music, and most cherished memories. But what really happens in the brain when we fall in love? Is "love at first sight" real? Does the media get it right, or are we being fed myths about what romance really looks like? In this special Valentine's Day episode, we break down the neuroscience of love, attraction, and attachment. From synapses to soulmates, we discuss the neurobiology of falling in love, the role of social media and dating apps, dark sides of love, and the truth behind the "five love languages." We also provide 8 practical tips to improve your own love-life and relationships, based on neuroscience. Whether your a hopeless romanic, skeptical scientist, or just curious about love, we look forward to sharing this knowledge with you. Love, Think Twice. Authors: Elena Koning, Eve Racette Resources: Domestic violence resources (Canada): https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html Domestic violence resources (US): https://www.thehotline.org/ Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user's own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

How Video Games Shape Our Minds and Mindsets for Growth in the AI Era?

BUBBLING SYNAPSES, 4min,. France Directed by William Eguienta An idea… needs space, time & love to grow…But, at what cost? Your friends ? Your wife ? Your kids ?Of course not, it needs to be set aside, in a bubble, waiting for the right moment…The wait is long, too long… This must emerge from its bubble, it must come to life, now ! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31189065 Get to know the filmmaker: What motivated you to make this film? I wanted to test 2d animation for the first time. so i was thinking about a subject that doesn't need speaking characters, but with a strong emotional impact. 48 hours later, the script was written and I was starting working on a storyboard. It's an impulsive creation, no filter, no overthinking, just pure expression of what's in mind What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? This kind of film is always strange to evaluate. it's depends a lot on who is the viewer more than an exact message the filmmaker try to spread. I was happy to see that they all catched the poetry behind images and sound to serve the story as an intense experience my film don't hold the viewer by the hand, and everyone seems to understand subtilities in Bubbling Synapses' metaphores, that help me to see and confirm ways to communicate emotions visually, so it's a really important thing to me. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpo

For today's episode, we discussing transferring energy from the environment across our biology. We discuss a few quantum theories, atoms, molecules, water, DHA, and NF-kB. Life on Earth is driven by energy from the environment, and this could be missed with humans, and especially with developmental problems like Autism.Water Podcast 1: Rubin, Kruse, Huberman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lBAcUMGIeI&t=43sWater Podcast 2: Gulhane and Kruse (Light changes the Physics of Water !) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9UbguvfpysWater Podcast 3: Gulhane and Kruse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5w0WainlMMhttps://www.plefa.com/article/S0952-3278(12)00147-0/abstracthttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5793004/#:~:text=Electrons%20exist%20in%20all%20matter,role%20in%20oxidation%2Dreduction%20reactions.Quantum-coherent energy transfer: implications for biology and new energy technologies https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3385675/#:~:text=In%20the%20simplest%20picture%2C%20quantum,transport%20at%20the%20molecular%20scale.Quantum cognition: The possibility of processing with nuclear spins in the brain https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003491615003243Role of semiconductivity and ion transport in the electrical conduction of melanin https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.11199481090:00 Intro0:40 Quantum Biology, Coherence, Thermodynamics, Water, DHA, NF-kB, and transferring energy - Atoms & Molecules2:00 Oxygen and CCO; Mitochondria3:55 Quantum Biology; Environments influence Atoms & Molecules5:50 Coherence & States; Light guides Life on Earth; Light provides Energy after it hits Matter7:16 Modern Human Environments7:41 Quantum Thermodynamics; Melanin, Electrons; Rules9:03 Biophotons, Photons and Lux; Seasonal Impact11:15 Electrons & Mitochondria; Real sources of Energy12:00 Artificial Light versus 280nm-3100nm Light; Big Harma & GLP-1 sidebar14:16 Autism and Loss of Biological Energy; changes in Light15:43 Electrons in Biology; Water; Coherent Domains; Semiconductors17:15 DHA; Electron Efficiency; Cells; Photoreceptors and Converting Energy and Developing Nervous Systems (plural)19:20 Phylogeny of Oxytocin and DHA sidebar; pi-electons; DHA dictates DNA22:40 Jack Kruse Quote23:36 Cells, Tissues, & Synapses; Origins of Autism; DHA roles26:14 Autism and X, Y, Z comorbid conditions (plural); definitions of Autism (modern versus origins), Criteria29:23 DHA takeaways; efficiency31:41 NF-kB; creating the womb and nervous systems; Autism and Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC)35:06 Reviews/Rating & Contact Info

It's All-In August!When life makes your situation seem impossible, you have to have a strategy ready. Here it is.Self-brain surgery tip #4:The more you think about something, the more easily it returns to your mind in the future. Synapses that fire together, wire together. This is why negative thinking is so harmful: it automates negativity in your brain. Change it to something positive!A few thoughts on generational family issues, neuroscience, and the power of Jesus to break chains. Scriptures MentionedIsaiah 55:11Deuteronomy 7:9Numbers 14:18Exodus 34:7Ezekiel 18:20Textooks for All-In August:All In, by Mark Batterson, Hope Is the First Dose by me, and Play the Man by Mark BattersonScripture for the Month: II Corinthians 5:14-17, Luke 9:23-25, Galatians 5:22-23, I Corinthians 2:16 Are you with us? Send a voicemail and let us know who you are, where you live, and that you're All-In!Follow me @drleewarren on Instagram for daily inspiration. Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Five Ways You Can Support this show:Pray for us!Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here. Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):Improve your gut health, support your immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here! (00:00) - All In August (05:59) - Break Those Chains (12:26) - Generational Patterns (15:02) - Power of Positivity

This episode is all about synapses, or conduits of change

If you're up for a challenge and love a good brain teaser, come check out some Math Riddles That Will Scramble Your Synapses. These puzzles are perfect for testing your problem-solving skills and giving your brain a serious workout. Whether you're a math whiz or just looking for some fun, these riddles are sure to keep you on your toes. Dive in and see how many you can solve! #brightside Animation is created by Bright Side. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Music from TheSoul Sound: https://thesoul-sound.com/ Check our Bright Side podcast on Spotify and leave a positive review! https://open.spotify.com/show/0hUkPxD... Subscribe to Bright Side: https://goo.gl/rQTJZz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Social Media: Facebook:   / brightside   Instagram:   / brightside.official   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brightside.of... Stock materials (photos, footages and other): https://www.depositphotos.com https://www.shutterstock.com https://www.eastnews.ru ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more videos and articles visit: http://www.brightside.me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-- We're re-releasing our conversation with Carla Shatz, one of our favorites from the archive, which comes up all the time on the show in the context of brain plasticity and aging. Enjoy, and see you next time! -NW -- When we're kids, our brains are amazing at learning. We absorb information from the outside world with ease, and we can adapt to anything. But as we age, our brains become a little more fixed. Our brain circuits become a little less flexible. You may have heard of a concept called neuroplasticity, our brain's ability to change or rewire itself. This is of course central to learning and memory, but it's also important for understanding a surprisingly wide array of medical conditions, including things like epilepsy, depression, even Alzheimer's disease. Today's guest, Carla Shatz, is a pioneer in understanding how our brains are sculpted by our experiences. She's credited with coining the phrase neurons that fire together, wire together. Her work over the past 40 years is foundational to how we understand the brain today. So I was excited to talk to Shatz about our brain's capacity for change, and I started off by asking about this sort of simple question, why exactly do we have this learning superpower as kids to do things like pick up languages and why does it go away?Shatz is Sapp Family Provostial Professor of Biology and of Neurobiology and the Catherine Holman Johnson director of Stanford Bio-X. Learn MoreIn conversation with Carla Shatz (Nature Neuroscience)Carla Shatz, her breakthrough discovery in vision and the developing brain (Stanford Medicine Magazine)Making an Old Brain Young | Carla Shatz (TEDxStanford)Carla Shatz Kavli Prize Laureate LectureStanford scientists discover a protein in nerves that determines which brain connections stay and which go (Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute)Episode CreditsThis episode was produced by Webby award-winning producer Michael Osborne, with production assistance by Morgan Honaker, and hosted by Nicholas Weiler. Art by Aimee Garza.Send us a text!Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience. Learn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

In today's episode, we're delving into the intricate relationship between functional nutrition, innovative strategies, and the healing power of nature. I'll be your guide as we explore cutting-edge research on brain health, detoxification, and sleep optimization.   We'll start by unraveling the science behind the glymphatic system—a fascinating network responsible for detoxifying the brain. I'll share insights into how this system functions and why it's crucial for maintaining optimal brain health.    Join me for an enlightening interview with Dr. Sarah Labisco as we discuss practical strategies for activating the glymphatic system and improving sleep quality. From lifestyle adjustments to the therapeutic potential of essential oils, we'll uncover a treasure trove of tips to support your journey towards holistic wellness. So, grab your favorite beverage and let's embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of enhanced brain health, detoxification, and restorative sleep.   In This Episode:    00:00 Unlocking the Secrets of Einstein's Brain: The Power of Synapses   02:51 Deep Dive into the Glymphatic System: Enhancing Brain Detoxification   04:09 Maximizing Brain Health: Strategies for Optimal Glymphatic Function   20:34 The Essential Role of Sleep in Brain Detoxification   21:13 Holistic Approaches to Enhancing Sleep and Brain Health   34:00 The Power of Essential Oils in Supporting the Glymphatic System   36:43 Transformative Health Advice: Ditch, Switch, and Thrive   39:17 Introduction to Dr. Jocker's Functional Nutrition Podcast   41:38 Interview with Dr. Sarah Labisco: Activating the Glymphatic System   41:56 Deep Dive into the Glymphatic System and Brain Health   44:45 The Importance of Sleep and Glymphatic Function   58:10 Optimizing Sleep for Brain Detoxification   01:00:01 Supporting Brain Detoxification and Sleep Optimization       Are swollen legs or ankles slowing you down? Discover the power of Lymph System Support by Pure Health Research. Crafted with natural ingredients like dandelion extract, burdock root, and bromelain, this formula unclogs your lymphatic system, reducing swelling and supporting a healthy inflammatory response.   As a special offer, try Lymph System Support risk-free today and receive a complimentary bottle of curcumin extract. Visit GetLymphHelp.com/jockers to claim yours now. Say hello to renewed vitality and goodbye to discomfort!     Feeling down, irritable, or just not yourself lately? It could be a sign of vitamin D deficiency, and trust me, you're not alone. Even in sunny places like Miami, people are shockingly low on this essential nutrient.   But here's the good news: there's a solution that actually works. Purality Health's Vitamin D3 formula is a game-changer. Unlike most supplements that get destroyed in your stomach, Purality's unique formula ensures maximum absorption, delivering the vitamin directly to your bloodstream where you need it most.   Believe me, I've seen the difference it makes. From mood regulation to immune support and bone health, optimizing your vitamin D levels is crucial for your overall well-being.   And right now, my listeners can get an exclusive 30% off by visiting PuralityHealth.com and using promo code DRJ at checkout. Don't wait any longer to start feeling like your best self again. Take control of your health today with Purality Health's Vitamin D3.     “We've got to get rid of those damaged dysfunctional neuronal cells. Then we've got to build new neuronal connections. That's super key. So not only do we want healthy neurons, but we also want healthy connections between the neurons." - Dr. Jockers   Subscribe to the podcast on: Apple Podcast Stitcher Spotify PodBean  TuneIn Radio   Resources: GetLymphHelp.com/jockers PuralityHealth.com and using promo code DRJ at checkout Website - https://revolutionoilspodcast.com/       Connect with Dr. Jockers: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjockers/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DrDavidJockers YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/djockers Website – https://drjockers.com/ If you are interested in being a guest on the show, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us here! - https://drjockers.com/join-us-dr-jockers-functional-nutrition-podcast/ 

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In this episode, we discuss common genetic and proteins implicated with Autism. This episode is all about preparing for a future episode about Excitation and Inhibition imbalance- a known phenomena with Autism. I play Tug-of-War with Barbed-Wire and talk about a critical factor of our environment implicating proteins and development- This is huge, and necessary. Genomic Architecture of Autism https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(22)01324-1.pdfPTEN and mTOR https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(22)01435-8?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2211124722014358%3Fshowall%3Dtrue16p11.2, Serotonin, and Possible Social Deficit Rescueshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4824539/https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0416-4https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-021-01091-6https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7606557/Dr. Jack Kruse on Autism https://jackkruse.com/category/autism/Cullin 3 / Cul3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31455858/SHANK3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=shank3Neurexin and Neuroligin https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120877/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867414006734(0:00) Introduction; Excitation and Inhibition; (3:15) Phosphate and Tensin- Pten; Synapses, Soma Size, Migration, Cellular Spine Density, Dendritic Overgrowth, Myelination; mTOR (Rapamycin) and hope; Are cells doing what they should? (10:18) 16p11.2; Serotonin; Raphe and Nucleus Accumbens; Possible Therapeutic Help;(13:40) NEED TO KNOW INFORMATION; Tryptophan, Aromatic Amino Acids, UV-B Light and Proteins; Changes in our Light Environment and Implications to our Biology and Modern Health Concerns; Photoreceptors and Brain and Skin Connection- Neuroectoderm; Circadian Mismatch;(19:24) Back to 16p11.2 and Cortical Development;(22:00) Cullin 3 and Cul3 and Implications to Socialness and Sensory-Gating; Causes of Stereotypic Behaviors; Neuronal Excitability;(24:09) SHANK3; Tissues and Brain; Synaptic Implications; more Spine and Dendritic formation; Sensory Processing; Repetitive Behaviors; Anxiety; Social Deficits; Poor Motor Coordination;(25:59) Neurexin and Neuroligin; Synaptic development and action; Myelination; E/I and Spine; CNTNAP2 and mPFC(29:25) Wrap Up and Contact Informationemail: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

AI and Faith Advisor and founder of Sinai and Synapses, Rabbi Geoffrey Mitelman, talks about building bridges between science and religion and what is necessary to build a common future. Production: David Brenner, Ed Melick, Pablo A. Ruz Salmones and Penny Yuen Host: Pablo A. Ruz Salmones Editing: Isabelle Braconnot Music from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

John Van Sloten is a Calgary-based writer, teacher, and pastor who is passionate about helping people engage God everywhere. Over the past ten years he has preached dozens of creation and Bible-based sermons on topics like radiation therapy, river hydrology, chemical catalysts, tree branches, human knees, and DNA repair mechanisms. John is a regular columnist with the Calgary Herald and his books include The Day Metallica Came to Church and Every Job a Parable. Over the past ten years, he has been awarded three John Templeton Foundation subgrants for preaching science, has been part of an Ambrose Seminary Science for Seminaries, and has been a Sinai and Synapses fellow. In my time with John, we talk about his latest book, God Speaks Science: What Neurons, Giant Squid, and Supernovae Reveal About Our Creator. John teaches that we can not only learn about God through the Bible, but through creation as well. He shows us that God's love and character can be known more deeply as we marvel at the complexities of His amazing creation. John also shares how his conversion to following God caused him to change his vocation, as well as about the new journey God is leading Him on. John's heart for God and his ability to see him in all things is inspiring. My hope is that this conversation may awaken us all to experience God's presence and work everywhere.Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, Soul-Deep Beauty: Fighting for Our True Worth in a World Demanding Flawless, here. Learn more about Impossible Beauty and join the community here.

Episode 123 This conversation was recorded at the Sinai and Synapses alumni gathering in November 2023. In it, we talk with Dr. Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad about the ethics of AI in Islam, the future of human-computer interaction, and the ethics of bringing a form of consciousness back to life.  Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad is a Research Scientist at University of Washington's Harborview Medical Center and an Affiliate Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at University of Washington Bothell. His research focuses on algorithmic nudging at scale, simulation modeling for machine learning, Responsible AI, and personality emulation. He has had academic appointments at University of Washington, Center for Cognitive Science at University of Minnesota, Minnesota Population Center, and the Indian Institute of Technology at Kanpur. Muhammad also has worked in applied AI in industry for several startups and advisor to various governmental bodies. He has a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota.    Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis 

From the Humongous Fungus of Oregon to the wave of human migration spreading across our planet, life has become more dependent than ever on the value of connectivity.Duration: 28:19VoxBox: Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web.Posted: November 19, 2023Highlights:Importance of connection and continuity in communitiesSymbiotic relationship between a Hippo and an OxpeckerInterconnectedness of nature and the humongous fungusRole of storytelling in communitiesChallenges of technology, including software updates and lack of compatibilityConcept of open source technologyImpact of social media on global connectivity and individual isolationPower of art to connect people universallyRelationships and the need for flexibility and acceptanceRecognizing global interrelation to climate change

Soundwaves beckoning your earlobes to attenuate. Speakers reverberating at high velocity. Synapses of the mind sparking a million times per second. It is time to open your cranium and let it all pour in…. Thank you for tuning in & be sure to GIVE US A ‘LIKE' ON FaceBook—>  www.facebook.com/AOTARadio You can tune in LIVE everyREAD MORE

On USC Dornsife Week:  How are memories formed? Donald Arnold, professor of biological sciences and biomedical engineering, takes us a step closer to finding out. Professor Arnold is the principal investigator at the Arnold Laboratory and professor of Molecular and Computational Biology and Biomedical Engineering at USC Dornsife. He received his Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering from […]

When we're kids, our brains are amazing at learning. We absorb information from the outside world with ease, and we can adapt to anything. But as we age, our brains become a little more fixed. Our brain circuits become a little less flexible. You may have heard of a concept called neuroplasticity, our brain's ability to change or rewire itself. This is of course central to learning and memory, but it's also important for understanding a surprisingly wide array of medical conditions, including things like epilepsy, depression, even Alzheimer's disease. Today's guest, Carla Shatz, is a pioneer in understanding how our brains are sculpted by our experiences. She's credited with coining the phrase neurons that fire together, wire together. Her work over the past 40 years is foundational to how we understand the brain today. So I was excited to talk to Shatz about our brain's capacity for change, and I started off by asking about this sort of simple question, why exactly do we have this learning superpower as kids to do things like pick up languages and why does it go away?Shatz is Sapp Family Provostial Professor of Biology and of Neurobiology and the Catherine Holman Johnson director of Stanford Bio-X. Learn MoreIn conversation with Carla Shatz (Nature Neuroscience)Carla Shatz, her breakthrough discovery in vision and the developing brain (Stanford Medicine Magazine)Making an Old Brain Young | Carla Shatz (TEDxStanford)Carla Shatz Kavli Prize Laureate LectureStanford scientists discover a protein in nerves that determines which brain connections stay and which go (Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute)Episode CreditsThis episode was produced by Webby award-winning producer Michael Osborne, with production assistance by Morgan Honaker, and hosted by Nicholas Weiler. Art by Aimee Garza.Thanks for listening! Learn more about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

In this episode of Essential Questions, Rabbi Dan Levin talks with Rabbi Geoffrey Mitelman, Founding Director of the organization Sinai and Synapses, about how science and religion fit together in our lives.

Synapses are where the business of the nervous system happens.(Note: this is an archived episode, normally for paid subscribers only but available for everyone for 7 days!)Lately, we've been talking about the basics of self-brain surgery to learn how to think about our thinking, and the ideas behind my new book.But this isn't just some “self-help” or motivational speaker-type thing. Because the vast majority of your life, the decisions you make, the relationships you have, the things you accomplish or strive for come out of how you think: your attitudes, your thought patterns. Everything about how you handle stress, unexpected challenges, and the hard parts of life is determined by your thinking.But the problem is, most of us spend our lives reacting to our thinking, because we never think about our thinking.And the reality is, our baseline thoughts are not very reliable most of the time. Why? That answer is rooted in the science of how our nervous systems are wired. The bad news is that your nervous system has a set of responses to challenges, threats, and stresses, and that set of responses isn't very specific. In other words, you basically feel the same things in your body when a tiger is actually chasing you as you do when you hear a sound in the next room and wonder if someone's breaking into your house- even if it's just the ice maker. Those triggered responses aren't very helpful when they make us reflexively freak out.But the good news is, your brain can be trained to separate the response from the stimulus. But it requires brain surgery.That's why I'm always saying, “You can't change your life until you change your mind.”In other words, if you keep thinking the same thoughts- if you never change how you look at things or the mental framework from which you approach the world- then you're going to keep experiencing the same patterns and outcomes.And the part of the nervous system that connects two nerves, or nerves and muscles or other organs, is called a synapse. In your brain, there are about 100 trillion of them. Trillion with a T. And when those synapses don't work right, you don't work right.Today, we're going to look at two diseases that affect the synapses between your nerves and your muscles. And I want to show you a little of how the nervous system works, so we can see how important it is to make sure we have healthy synapses.If you want to become healthier, feel better, and be happier, you've got to think about your thinking. But sometimes life creates unhealthy connections- sick synapses- that trigger thought patterns and behaviors in us we're not even aware of.You can't change your life until you change your mind. And severing sick synapses- breaking down those bad connections life has created and making better ones- is a key to getting that done.Remember Proverbs 17:27-28 in The Passion Translation (TPT):27 Can you bridle your tongue when your heart is under pressure?That's how you show that you are wise.An understanding heart keeps you cool, calm, and collected,no matter what you're facing.That's one of the secrets to becoming Infinitely Happier, friend.Learning to stay cool, calm, and collected no matter what we're facing. That's useful during a global pandemic, but it's also useful in everyday life. And it doesn't happen by accident. It happens by severing sick synapses. My friend, we're going to learn how, and we're going to start today.Hope is the First Dose: A Treatment Plan for Recovering from Trauma, Tragedy, and Other Massive Things is coming out on July 25, but you can pre-order it now anywhere books are sold. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drleewarren.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we'll be covering papers that were released in January 2023 that target neuronal and synaptic protection in Alzheimer's Disease. If you're interested in the preclinical testing of novel therapeutics and delivery methods, this is the episode for you!  Sections in this episode:  Novel Therapeutics Targeting Neuroprotection (4:53)  Novel Delivery Methods Targeting Neuroprotection (8:49)  Targeting Synaptic Pathology (16:42)  Targeting BDNF Activation (23:18) We at AMiNDR are eager to hear from you! We opened up a survey available until the end of April for you to tell us what we are doing well, and where we can improve. Access the survey at tinyurl.com/amindrsurvey. All survey responses will be anonymous. By doing the survey, you can choose to enter a draw for a $15USD gift card for any location you choose! -------------------------------------------------------------- To find the numbered bibliography with all the papers covered in this episode, click here, or use the link below:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Msw5q_QnkGiEllig2vDXd60BSOzMAnE/view?usp=share_linkTo access the folder with ALL our bibliographies, follow this link (it will be updated as we publish episodes and process bibliographies), or use the link below:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bzSzkY9ZHzzY8Xhzt0HZfZhRG1Gq_Si-?usp=sharingYou can also find all of our bibliographies on our website: amindr.com. -------------------------------------------------------------- Follow-up on social media for more updates!Twitter: @AMiNDR_podcastInstagram: @AMiNDR.podcastFacebook:  AMiNDR  Youtube: AMiNDR PodcastLinkedIn: AMiNDR PodcastEmail: amindrpodcast@gmail.com  -------------------------------------------------------------- Please help us spread the word about AMiNDR to your friends, colleagues, and networks! And if you could leave us a rating and/or review on your streaming app of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to the podcast), that would be greatly appreciated! It helps us a lot and we thank you in advance for leaving a review! Don't forget to subscribe to hear about new episodes as they come out too. Thank you to our sponsor, the Canadian Consortium of Neurodegeneration in Aging, or CCNA, for their financial support of this podcast. This helps us to stay on the air and bring you high quality episodes. You can find out more about the CCNA on their website: https://ccna-ccnv.ca/. Our team of volunteers works tirelessly each month to bring you every episode of AMiNDR. This episode was scripted, hosted and edited by Anusha Kamesh, and reviewed by Anelya Gandy. The bibliography and wordcloud were made by Lara Onbasi (www.wordart.com). Big thanks to the sorting team for taking on the enormous task of sorting all of the Alzheimer's Disease papers into episodes each month. For January 2023, the sorters were Elyn Rowe, Christy Yu, Eden Dubchak, Ben Cornish, Kevin Nishimura, Anelya Gandy, Salodin Al-Achkar, and Rob Cloke. Also, props to our management team, which includes Sarah Louadi, Ellen Koch, Naila Kuhlmann, Elyn Rowe, Anusha Kamesh, Lara Onbasi, Joseph Liang, and Judy Cheng, for keeping everything running smoothly.Our music is from "Journey of a Neurotransmitter" by musician and fellow neuroscientist Anusha Kamesh; you can find the original piece and her other music on soundcloud under Anusha Kamesh or on her YouTube channel, AKMusic.   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMH7chrAdtCUZuGia16FR4w   -------------------------------------------------------------- If you are interested in joining the team, send us your CV by email. We are specifically looking for help with sorting abstracts by topic, abstract summaries and hosting, audio editing, creating bibliographies, and outreach/marketing. However, if you are interested in helping in other ways, don't hesitate to apply anyways.  --------------------------------------------------------------*About AMiNDR: *  Learn more about this project and the team behind it by listening to our first episode: "Welcome to AMiNDR!" 

We are diving in to all things neurotransmitters and synaptic signaling to kick off the January 2023 series. You'll hear about dopamine, noradrenaline, prion proteins, a new 3D cell culture model, and more, in today's episode. Enjoy!  Sections in this episode:  Monoamine Neurotransmitters (3:50)  Glutamate (9:18)  Acetylcholine (15:51)  Synaptic Proteins (17:43)  New 3D Culture Method (21:32) -------------------------------------------------------------- To find the numbered bibliography with all the papers covered in this episode, click here, or use the link below:https://drive.google.com/file/d/106pvyu5qprE3dW0j2RieICqJF0Hdsyu7/view?usp=share_linkTo access the folder with ALL our bibliographies, follow this link (it will be updated as we publish episodes and process bibliographies), or use the link below:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bzSzkY9ZHzzY8Xhzt0HZfZhRG1Gq_Si-?usp=sharingYou can also find all of our bibliographies on our website: amindr.com. --------------------------------------------------------------Follow-up on social media for more updates!Twitter: @AMiNDR_podcastInstagram: @AMiNDR.podcastFacebook:  AMiNDR  Youtube: AMiNDR PodcastLinkedIn: AMiNDR PodcastEmail: amindrpodcast@gmail.com  -------------------------------------------------------------- Please help us spread the word about AMiNDR to your friends, colleagues, and networks! And if you could leave us a rating and/or review on your streaming app of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to the podcast), that would be greatly appreciated! It helps us a lot and we thank you in advance for leaving a review! Don't forget to subscribe to hear about new episodes as they come out too. Thank you to our sponsor, the Canadian Consortium of Neurodegeneration in Aging, or CCNA, for their financial support of this podcast. This helps us to stay on the air and bring you high quality episodes. You can find out more about the CCNA on their website: https://ccna-ccnv.ca/. Our team of volunteers works tirelessly each month to bring you every episode of AMiNDR. This episode was scripted and hosted by Ellen Koch, edited by Michelle Grover, and reviewed by Judy Cheng and Anusha Kamesh. The bibliography and wordcloud were made by Lara Onbasi (www.wordart.com). Big thanks to the sorting team for taking on the enormous task of sorting all of the Alzheimer's Disease papers into episodes each month. For January 2023, the sorters were Elyn Rowe, Christy Yu, Eden Dubchak, Ben Cornish, Kevin Nishimura, Anelya Gandy, Salodin Al-Achkar, and Rob Cloke. Also, props to our management team, which includes Sarah Louadi, Ellen Koch, Naila Kuhlmann, Elyn Rowe, Anusha Kamesh, Lara Onbasi, Joseph Liang, and Judy Cheng, for keeping everything running smoothly.Our music is from "Journey of a Neurotransmitter" by musician and fellow neuroscientist Anusha Kamesh; you can find the original piece and her other music on soundcloud under Anusha Kamesh or on her YouTube channel, AKMusic.   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMH7chrAdtCUZuGia16FR4w   -------------------------------------------------------------- If you are interested in joining the team, send us your CV by email. We are specifically looking for help with sorting abstracts by topic, abstract summaries and hosting, audio editing, creating bibliographies, and outreach/marketing. However, if you are interested in helping in other ways, don't hesitate to apply anyways.  --------------------------------------------------------------*About AMiNDR: *  Learn more about this project and the team behind it by listening to our first episode: "Welcome to AMiNDR!" 

Episode 118 In part 20 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with the Rev Dr Vikki Gaskin-Butler.    She is a licensed psychologist (clinical and health psychology) and ordained clergy person. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Spelman College and her Master of Science and Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Florida. She also received a Master of Divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She guest has served as a psychologist in university counseling centers, clinic director in an interfaith-based counseling center, and as director of a university psychology clinic. She has supervised numerous students in pursuit of psychology, mental health counseling, and social work degrees. She has led clergy consultation groups and served as a consultant with church/church-affiliated and secular organizations. In addition, she has served as a minister of education and an associate pastor in local churches. She draws on her knowledge of human potential from her experience as a psychologist and ordained clergy person to support the psychological, spiritual, and physical well-being of all people. Through her first-hand knowledge of life as a wife, mother, musician, professor, clinician, and minister, she has the insight to support the needs of adults, including performing artists, clergy, and health professionals. In her words:  "My passion is to constantly move toward my own divine potential. Throughout this journey, I have experienced struggle, doubt, grief, joy, peace, and all of the emotions that make us human. These emotions and the experiences connected with them have made me more whole as I followed the thread of healing to freedom. These emotional experiences have also created within me a deep well of compassion for others as they journey on their paths to health and wholeness."   You can listen to her last Down the Wormhole episode here... https://www.downthewormhole.com/e/womanist-psychology-of-religion-with-rev-dr-vikki-gaskin-butler/   Also be sure to check out her podcast and all her other work here... https://www.drvikki.org/     Sinai and Synapses - https://sinaiandsynapses.org/   Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis 

Episode 116 In part 19 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with Emily Gerdin. She was raised in two faiths growing up (Judaism & Protestantism), and her interfaith upbringing inspired her to study how minds are shaped by religious worldviews. She is a PhD candidate in developmental psychology at Yale University, studying how children conceive of religious groups as sometimes similar to other social categories in the world (e.g., race, gender, nationality) and sometimes very, very different.    Sinai and Synapses - https://sinaiandsynapses.org/   Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis 

An introduction to hormones and the endocrine system, including a discussion of the definition of hormones and their production, storage, release, and mechanisms of action. I also consider the mechanisms of control and regulation of hormone production, focusing on the role of the hippocampus and the pituitary gland. I conclude with an overview of major endocrine glands in the human body, including the gonads, adrenal glands, thyroid gland, and the thymus. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 38: Neurons and Synapses. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

Episode 115 In part 18 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with Dr Stephen Burgin. He is an associate professor of secondary science education at the University of Arkansas. His research interests focus on the authentic practices employed by professional scientists and how school science can more closely approximate that work. As an evangelical Christian preparing preservice secondary science teachers in the southern United States, Dr. Burgin is uniquely positioned to help his students and those he comes into contact with grapple with their relationship to both science and faith.   Sinai and Synapses - https://sinaiandsynapses.org/   Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis 

A journey through the complex network of regions controlling the human motor system, beginning with the spinal cord and its central pattern generators, and working up through the primary motor cortex, the premotor cortex, the posterior parietal cortex, the cerebellum, and the basal ganglia. I discuss the computational roles of each part of the motor control hierarchy, focusing on what functions are performed and what information is represented in each unique brain region. Overall I emphasise the complex interaction between top-down and bottom-up feedback in controlling muscle movement and executing complex motor tasks. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 132: The Muscular System, and Episode 38: Neurons and Synapses.   If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

Episode 114 In part 17 of our Sinai and Synapses interview series, we are talking with Tyler J Fuller. Tyler is a Ph.D. student in the Graduate Program in Religion at Boston University. He is a sociologist of religion and a health educator. His research interests focus on the social scientific study of religion, health-seeking behaviors, and faith-based health education and promotion.    Sinai and Synapses - https://sinaiandsynapses.org/   Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis 

Vayetze tells the story of Jacob - his journey to Aram, his business dealings, his family life. This week I talk with Rabbi Geoff Mitelman, Founder of Sinai and Synapses, about the phenomenon of lying and dishonesty: why it's so prevalent in the Torah portion, how it plays into our political culture, and how it is born out of human nature. We also talk about his work at the intersection of science and religion. To access Rabbi Mitelman's work at Sinai and Synapses: https://sinaiandsynapses.org/ To become a supporter of Seven Minute Torah, visit www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah. For more information on our new Zoom Torah study groups, go to https://micahstreiffer.com/torah-study/. Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sevenminutetorahgroup Questions or comments? Email me at rabbistreiffer@gmail.com.

Time Stamps: Bad News For The Witcher?- 00:00 Sandman Season 2!-05:25 Agatha Coven of Chaos Casting News!- 06:14 Wonder Man Confirmed- 08:10 Penguin Casting and Synapses!- 10:04 A Quiet Place: Day One News- 11:17 Prequel to Friday the 13th!?-  12:21 Last of Us HBO Release Date- 18:18 Andor Ep. 9 Breakdown- 18:38 John Wick getting a AAA Game!?-37:18 AEW: The Last Outlaw Returns!- 41:08   Big Thanks to this week's sponsor Manscaped! The Lawnmower 4.0 is here! Go to manscaped.com and use our code "20NERDSHOW" at check out for 20% off! The Amazing Nerd Show is now on all your favorite platforms. Catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Player FM, Iheart Radio, Podbean and more! Like and Subscribe to stay up to date with all future episodes.  For Advertising opportunities or to just get in contact with the show Email us at:  Amazingnerdshow@gmail.com or head on over to our Website: amazingnerdshow.com  Want to support this podcast and wear some sweet "Nerd-Swag"? Come check out our New Merch on Teepublic and Pro Wrestling Tees!! http://tee.pub/lic/1Gm1QGHqxQo https://www.prowrestlingtees.com/amazingnerdshow  HEY NERD! Be a part of our community! You can find ANS on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and now Twitch! Get cool content, news updates and plenty of gaming gameplay by following us on your preferred social media hub! Facebook: https://goo.gl/83GZxh Twitter: https://goo.gl/CirBM8 Instagram: https://goo.gl/ArNaJ9  Twitch: https://goo.gl/MWaQFW Website: https://www.amazingnerdshow.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVHvGPvroAGyZbb-vTGZ8g?view_as=subscribe Music used: https://www.youtube.com/c/WhiteBatAudio  

"The more you pause and practice out loud, the more you get comfortable connecting brain and mouth." - Jack Wilson in today's Tip 1365 How about you? Have you already done this? Join the conversation at DailySales.Tips/1365 and share your thoughts! Have feedback? Want to share a sales tip? Call or text the Sales Success Hotline: 512-777-1442 or Email: scott@top1.fm

This week on the podcast, the guys tackle a patreon member's pick in 2018's Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum. We break the movie down, but not without also discussing region Shakespeare troupes, making specific Scoville scale jokes, and of course the too much slam pound pump. Grab some beers and join the fun! All of our Patreon proceeds continue to go to Planned Parenthood to support the bodily autonomy of women and other persons who can get pregnant. You can find our Patreon at patreon.com/atozhorror And as always, continue to support Black Lives Matter and fight against the systemic racial injustice in this country. A list of ways to help can be found here: blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ a-zhorror.com/ Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/AtoZHorror Email us: atozhorror@gmail.com Hangout on facebook: facebook.com/atozhorror/ Find us on Instagram @a_zhorror Music by: Superbare: @superbare

Synapses are where the business of the nervous system happens.Lately, we've been talking about the basics of self-brain surgery to learn how to think about our thinking, and the ideas behind my new book, Hope is the First Dose.But this isn't just some “self-help” or motivational speaker-type thing. Because the vast majority of your life, the decisions you make, the relationships you have, the things you accomplish or strive for come out of how you think: your attitudes, your thought patterns. Everything about how you handle stress, unexpected challenges, and the hard parts of life is determined by your thinking.But the problem is, most of us spend our lives reacting to our thinking, because we never think about our thinking.And the reality is, our baseline thoughts are not very reliable most of the time. Why? That answer is rooted in the science of how our nervous systems are wired. The bad news is that your nervous system has a set of responses to challenges, threats, and stresses, and that set of responses isn't very specific. In other words, you basically feel the same things in your body when a tiger is actually chasing you as you do when you hear a sound in the next room and wonder if someone's breaking into your house- even if it's just the ice maker. Those triggered responses aren't very helpful when they make us reflexively freak out.But the good news is, your brain can be trained to separate the response from the stimulus. But it requires brain surgery.That's why I'm always saying, “You can't change your life until you change your mind.”In other words, if you keep thinking the same thoughts- if you never change how you look at things or the mental framework from which you approach the world- then you're going to keep experiencing the same patterns and outcomes.And the part of the nervous system that connects two nerves, or nerves and muscles or other organs, is called a synapse. In your brain, there are about 100 trillion of them. Trillion with a T. And when those synapses don't work right, you don't work right.Today, we're going to look at two diseases that affect the synapses between your nerves and your muscles. And I want to show you a little of how the nervous system works, so we can see how important it is to make sure we have healthy synapses.If you want to become healthier, feel better, and be happier, you've got to think about your thinking. But sometimes life creates unhealthy connections- sick synapses- that trigger thought patterns and behaviors in us we're not even aware of.You can't change your life until you change your mind. And severing sick synapses- breaking down those bad connections life has created and making better ones- is a key to getting that done.Remember Proverbs 17:27-28 in The Passion Translation (TPT):27 Can you bridle your tongue when your heart is under pressure?That's how you show that you are wise.An understanding heart keeps you cool, calm, and collected,no matter what you're facing.That's one of the secrets to becoming infinitely happier, friend.Learning to stay cool, calm, and collected no matter what we're facing. That's useful during any problem you're facing, but it's also useful in everyday life. And it doesn't happen by accident. It happens by severing sick synapses. My friend, we're going to learn how, and we're going to start today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drleewarren.substack.com/subscribe

I discuss the mysterious phenomenon of sleep, outlining the different stages of sleep, how the brain controls sleep and wakefulness, and the various theories for the functions of sleep. I also consider sleep in animals, the effects of sleep deprivation, and some major sleep disorders. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 38: Neurons and Synapses.   If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

When life makes your situation seem impossible, you have to have a strategy ready. Here it is.Self-brain surgery tip #4:The more you think about something, the more easily it returns to your mind in the future. Synapses that fire together, wire together. This is why negative thinking is so harmful: it automates negativity in your brain. Change it to something positive!A few thoughts on generational family issues, neuroscience, and the power of Jesus to break chains. Music by Jesus CultureScriptures MentionedIsaiah 55:11Deuteronomy 7:9Numbers 14:18Exodus 34:7Ezekiel 18:20(Music shared on The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast is authorized under BMI license #61063253 and ASCAP license #400010513 )Go to my website www.wleewarrenmd.com for more information about my letter, this show, my books, and more.John to Know, James to Grow bible study This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drleewarren.substack.com/subscribe

When life makes your situation seem impossible, you have to have a strategy ready. Here it is. Self-brain surgery tip #4: The more you think about something, the more easily it returns to your mind in the future. Synapses that fire together, wire together. This is why negative thinking is so harmful: it automates negativity in your brain. Change it to something positive! A few thoughts on generational family issues, neuroscience, and the power of Jesus to break chains.  Music by Jesus Culture Scriptures Mentioned Isaiah 55:11 Deuteronomy 7:9 Numbers 14:18 Exodus 34:7 Ezekiel 18:20 Sign up for my Substack letter here. (Music shared on The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast is authorized under BMI license #61063253 and ASCAP license #400010513 )   Go to my website www.wleewarrenmd.com for more information about my letter, this show, my books, and more.   John to Know, James to Grow bible study

Videos : Neil Oliver: 'It's hard to tell yourself you've been taken for a fool but open your eyes' We don't need the CIA - The Chris Hedges Report   Researchers propose new treatment to prevent kidney stones – HCA in Garcinia Cambogia University of Houston, August 8, 2022   Researchers have found evidence that a natural fruit extract is capable of dissolving calcium oxalate crystals, the most common component of human kidney stones. This finding could lead to the first advance in the treatment of calcium oxalate stones in 30 years.Jeffrey Rimer, associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Houston, was lead author of the study, published in the online edition of Nature. The work offers the first evidence that the compound hydroxycitrate (HCA) is an effective inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystal growth that, under certain conditions, is actually able to dissolve these crystals. Researchers also explain how it works. Doctors tell patients who are at risk of developing stones to drink lots of water and avoid foods rich in oxalate, such as rhubarb, okra, spinach and almonds. They often recommend taking citrate (CA), in the form of potassium citrate, a supplement that can slow crystal growth, but some people are unable to tolerate the side effects. (next) Pomegranate improves synaptic function in experimental model of Alzheimer's disease University of New South Wales August 11, 2022.  An article published in the journal Oncotarget reports improvement in the loss of synaptic proteins that occurs with aging in association with pomegranate intake in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Synapses are the connections that enable the transmission of messages between neurons. Impairment of synaptic plasticity—the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to variation in their activity—is one of several neurologic changes observed in Alzheimer's disease that contributes to cognitive impairment. (next) Yoga May Boost Aging Brains Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (Brazil), August 9, 2022  Older women who practice yoga may have greater "thickness" in areas of the brain involved in memory and attention, a small study suggests. Researchers found that even compared with other healthy, active women their age, yoga practitioners typically had greater cortical thickness in the brain's left prefrontal cortex.The findings are based on one-time brain scans of fewer than 50 women—and they do not prove that yoga, itself, altered anyone's brain structure, according to senior researcher Elisa Kozasa. The study does add to a bigger body of evidence on yoga and brain function, said Dr. Helen Lavretsky, a researcher who was not involved in the work. "This contributes to the evidence that yoga practice has neuroplastic effects on the brain that may translate into other health benefits—like better mood and cognition," said Lavretsky, a professor-in-residence of psychiatry at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine. (next) Resveratrol: The key to reducing elderly frailty? Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Spain) , August 11, 2022 The so-called red wine nutrient resveratrol may help maintain muscle performance and reduce frailty in the elderly, research in mice has suggested.Using 48 young, mature and old mice models, the study found resveratrol improved muscle performance in the mature and old animals but not in the young. They found resveratrol – found in grapes, red wine, walnuts, peanuts and berries – “primed” the effect of exercise by increasing endurance, coordination and strength in the old animals as well as providing higher protection against oxidative damage and an increase in the mitochondrial mass responsible for the energy-generating process essential for cell metabolism. (next) Ginkgo may enhance performance, boost brain health for active men Poznan University (Poland), August 10, 2022 Extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves may offer body and mind benefits for young, active men, according to a small supplementation trial from Poland. A daily 160 mg dose of a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba for six weeks was associated with improvements of VO2max (maximal oxygen uptake) and blood antioxidant capacity, report scientists from the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education and the Poznan University of Physical Education. Writing in Nutrients , the scientists also note that Ginkgo supplementation resulted in increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) during exercise. “BDNF is a molecular mediator of synaptic plasticity, hence, the BDNF signaling pathway is reduced in many neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases,” they explained. Increasing BDNF levels, therefore, is considered beneficial. The results showed that VO2max increased in both groups, but the greatest increases were measured in the Ginkgo group. However, no statistical significance was found between the groups, which may be due to the dose – previous studies have shown benefits from higher doses. (next) Is corn silk beneficial for diabetes? Jilin  University in China study and University of Buffalo, August 2, 2022 Corn silk refers to the threads that grow on corn cobs. People have used corn silk as an herbal remedy for centuries in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine. Proponents suggest that it may have several medicinal applications, which may include reducing inflammation, blood pressure, and blood sugar.Corn silk, also known as Stigma Maydis, refers to a traditional Chinese medicine.  Corn silk describes the thread-like strands that grow underneath the husk of a fresh ear of corn. These thin fibers contain plant compounds that may be responsible for various health benefits. Some evidence suggests that corn silk may possess antidiabetic properties. A Jilin University in China study and University of Buffalo review suggest that corn silk, and its flavonoids, may possess antidiabetic benefits. The mouse study suggests that the antidiabetic properties of corn silk could make it a good candidate for a functional food or treatment for diabetes. Corn silk may help by slowing the absorption of starchy foods from the intestine. By slowing this process, blood glucose levels rise more steadily after meals, which avoids sudden blood sugar spikes. Corn silk has antioxidant and antiglycation properties that can provide protective effects for insulin-secreting cells. A review of corn silk's medicinal benefits at Damietta University in Egypt suggests: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: suggests that the compounds present in corn silk are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This could provide a protective effect against different conditions. For example, a 2019 paper suggests it could protect against skin damage. Antihyperlipidemia: Corn silk possesses anti-hyperlipidemic activity. It can help improve cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular conditions. Lowering blood pressure: Corn silk can help lower blood pressure. Corn silk tea could help improve the effect of antihypertensive drugs and could offer a natural alternative treatment option. Treating kidney stones: Researchers at Dalien Polytechnic University in China found that sugars present in corn silk can help reduce kidney damage and promote uric acid excretion. As such, corn silk could act as a dietary supplement to help reduce kidney stone formation. Reduction of nephrotoxicity: Corn silk can help reduce kidney damage that may occur as a side effect of a certain anticancer drug. 

"In the same way that a car that is well-maintained will last longer and be more reliable, you cannot hope to get the lasting high performance you want from your brain if it is not properly cared for and protected." —Kimberley Wilson, author of How to Build a Healthy Brain: Practical steps to mental health and well-being Psychology, Sociology and Neurology. Three courses I often share would be priceless academic courses to take regardless of one's vocation in life. Here on TSLL blog and the podcast, I have explored many topics within the first two subjects whether pertaining to emotional intelligence, relationships and communication, so when I came upon nutrition-trained Chartered Psychologist Kimberley Wilson's book - How to Build a Healthy Brain, I was intrigued and wanted to explore its contents. In so doing, I found what she had to share to be founded in a vast amount of supportive research from reputable institutions (in the United Kingdom and the states) as well as written in an approachable prose for readers, like myself, who do not have an educational background in the field of neurology, but genuinely wish to understand how their brains function and how to care for the brain well in order to live well. Today's post/episode is an introduction, a tasting menu of sorts to explore the wide ranging areas in our lives that contribute to the health (or malnutrition) of our brain and thereby, its capability to work to its full capabilities. Upon sitting down to read the book, once I began, once it was in my hands and I was reading it, it was hard to put down, and annotations now decorate nearly every page. Having completed my first reading of the book, I went back through and took detailed notes summarizing the key points that spoke to me and that I wanted to incorporate or strengthen in my own daily life. I will be sharing those here, but by no means is the list complete. The science of how the brain works, the parts of the brain, etc., are detailed in the first couple of chapters, and are worth reading prior to reading the entire book on your own as she lays a clear foundation of the parts of the 'engine' that make up the brain. While I will be focusing on what to do to strengthen and nourish your brain, reading her book details what happens when the brain is not nourished properly. For example, what chronic inflammation does to the mind and the effects witnessed in our daily lives such as depression, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and other neurological maladies. However, because I want to lift today's conversation to focus on preventative and constructive habits we can add to our lives to create a stronger sense and state of well-being, I will be focusing on what you can begin or continue to do and how it nurtures the brain, thereby elevating the quality of your entire life. 1. Invest in your neuro 'pension' plan No matter how small your daily investments, so long as you keep contributing to your neuro pension plan, you strengthen your brain and stave off chronic inflammation. Daily investments as they pertain to brain nourishment are a conscious effort to continually be learning something new - whether that is information that is new or a new physical skill. When you learn something new, you are "promoting the growth of new neurones, helping new cells to survive (so be sure to continue to strengthen the newly learned skill with consistent repetition), supporting the survival of pre-existing neurones, and supporting the development of synapses - the communication junctions between brain cells". This process is called Neurogenesis - literally translated as the creation of new neurons. And "neurogenesis is crucial to the process of learning and memory." When your brain undergoes this process of neurogenesis, you are building your 'cognitive reserve' which is what Wilson refers to as the 'brain pension' and was "coined in a research paper published in 1988." I encourage you to read the findings of this research as it is shared in detail on page 52, but to put it very simply, even 137 elderly residents who took part in the study, upon their deaths, while their brains showed physical signs of advanced brain disease, they didn't show any symptoms while alive. Why? Their brains, when weighed were heavier than the others, and it was surmised that these 137 residents had more stored up in their 'brain pensions' . . . this meant that when dementia started to take cells away, they still had more than enough left to function normally." To put it succinctly, prioritize learning new skills and acquiring new information. Make it a way of life to bulk up your neuro pension plan. 2. Prioritize reducing stress in your life There are different types of stress - acute and chronic - and it is the chronic that is a "known risk factor for Alzheimer's". Chronic stress can cause the hippocampi to shrink, reducing your ability to retain information and learn new skills with relative ease. Wilson shares a list of potential psychological signs you might be under excess pressure which is causing chronic stress that while you may be brushing off as what you have to do to live the life you are living is actually a health concern and reason to reassess how you live and what you prioritize: short temper or frustration, increased aggression anxiety apathy, loss of interest overwhelm forgetfulness or poor concentration cynicism loss of confidence/self-esteem impaired emotional responses social withdrawal Now let's look at the good stress that helps us grow and strengthens our ability to do things that are positive, and in fact, we should pursue this type of stress for a healthy brain Wilson encourages. It is called hormesis. It could be physical (lifting weights, strength training or yoga) or it can be psychological (learning a new skill, a new language, etc.). Hormesis involves applying "short-term, manageable pressure" to the body or mind's muscle. "The body responds to this stress by up regulating muscular repair processes and making the muscles more able to tolerate the same amount of stress post-recovery i.e. becoming stronger." The key with hormesis being a good stress is including the recovery time. So for example, do not attend a vinyasa yoga class on Monday and then again on Tuesday. Nope. Give your body at least a day of recovery, maybe even two. You can still walk or run during this time, but don't take a vinyasa class that will stress those same muscles out as were engaged on Monday. 3. Put quality sleep at the top of your list for 'good brain care' "The journey to a more resilient brain and improved mental health starts in bed." —Kimberley Wilson A variety of necessary activities are taking place in our brain when we sleep and are sleeping deeply, reaching all four stages: memory consolidation (moving short-term information that was just gained to the long-term storage location in the brain), Synapses are augmented - changed, which means this is when learning becomes ingrained preparing the brain to learn new things and ensuring what we learned stays with us, enables us to be less reactive to negative stimuli. Wilson also touches on the truth that medication that induces us to sleep does not promote true sleep. In other words, it does not allow us to reach all four stages of sleep. With that said, we have to naturally be able to bring ourselves and keep ourselves in a good night's sleep. How can we do this? Keep a sleep routine - weekdays and weekends Try not to linger in bed whilst you are awake too long on either side - before you fall asleep and once you wake up in the morning. If you cannot fall asleep within 15-20 minutes, don't keep fighting yourself. Turn the light on (a gentle dimmed light most likely) and do something non-stimulating such as journaling, read a non-stressful book, meditation or a simple breathing practice (deep breath in for 6 counts, deep breath out for 6 counts, for example). Once you feel sleepy again, return to bed and turn out the light. Ensure you are sleeping in a cool room (no warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit/20 degrees Celsius) If you can, add dimmer switches to your bedroom lights and lamps, and have them dimmed before you enter your bedroom to go to sleep. Keep your bedroom tidy. Clutter causes stimulation and stress which is the opposite feeling you want to have before trying to go to sleep. Don't eat too late, in fact, try making your largest meal lunch and enjoy a lighter dinner that is not too close to your bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant and can hang around for more than a few hours after you have enjoyed it. If you are not falling asleep and staying asleep, examine when you consume caffeine and try to stop by midday or at least enjoy your last tea (caffeinated) at tea time - 4pm. Avoid alcohol 3-4 hours before bedtime Refrain from using light-emitting devices in bed (tablets, smartphones, etc.) No longer use your smartphone for your alarm clock. Use something different. If worries clutter your mind and prohibit you from falling asleep, put them down in writing in a journal before going to bed. Have a journal or notepad next to your bed to jot down things you don't want to forget that may pop up just as you go to sleep. 4. Feed your brain well "Although [the brain] only accounts for about 2-3 per cent of your total body weight, your brain makes up around 20-25 per cent of your daily energy requirement." The brain doesn't need simply calories of any sort. The brain needs quality, nourishing calories that provide vitamins and minerals feeding all of its cellular activity. "Food is one of the quickest and easiest ways to start improving your brain health." And what I found even more interesting is that thinking about your nutrients, it's not just about today's meal to have a better tomorrow; what you feed your brain effects the brain over time, the long-run. "It's about building up regular long-term habits." So what habits should we be incorporating into our daily diet? Let's take a look: more vegetables - 6 servings a day (1 serving is 2 heaping tablespoons) a minimum of 2 servings/wk of oily fish and/or seafood leafy greens every day - a delicious salad with a homemade vinaigrette nuts - unsalted, and preferably, unroasted (raw), 1-2 servings each day enjoy seeds - chia, sesame, etc. berries of all kinds, and especially blueberries as a daily snack - 3 servings a day cook regularly with fresh herbs - explore growing your own herbs beans - all of the beans you can think of. I incorporate lentils, black beans, and chickpeas most often. olive oil - 3 tablespoons a day cook with alliums - onions, shallots, green onions (spring onions), etc. choose whole grain everything - pasta, bread, etc. Include fiber in your daily diet everyday - look for grains for breakfast such as steel cut oats, and other sources such as beans and farro. Alliums also contain fiber, so add the onions! dark chocolate, 70% cacao at least unlimited tea (except not after tea time if it has caffeine which will affect negatively your sleep) hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - even when you don't know what you are craving, likely, it is hydration - grab the water first, not the food limit the sweets (freely added sugar - cakes, candy, pastries, etc; and limit processed meat to only 3 servings each week no more than 2 glasses of wine/day, red wine is best enjoy chicken 2-3 times a week Eggs - no more than 6/week Looking at such a list may be what we think we want. "Just tell me what to do, and I'll do it." But when you know the why behind choosing such foods, it becomes even easier to find motivation to select the foods above (or not select as in the case with sugar). For example, eating sugar reduces our brain's cognition and the omega-3s in oily fix reduces the brain's aging process. Let me share a few more, but all of the reasons for including or excluding the items I listed above are detailed with research as to how it helps or hinders the brain's ability to function optimally. "Leafy green vegetables are brain-protective" as these vegetables contain 'bioactive nutrients such as beta carotene, folate, vitamin K, magnesium and potassium. Eating nuts (unsalted and raw) five times a week increases brain function, and eating fiber reduces the risk of some cancers due to the prebiotics. Keep in mind, all that I am sharing is merely a tasting of of the details, specific meal ideas and research Wilson shares in her book. 5. Create a regular exercise regimen that cares for your brain It will not surprise you that physical exercise plays a significant role in brain health. The question is how much and how strenuous. Wilson offers three suggestions and reminds readers that any form of physical activity whether structured (taking a class) or physical movement such as gardening, tending to chores or walking rather than driving is beneficial because "movement protects the brain" as it is an organ. With each of the three suggested weekly workout regimens, she suggests at least two or more days of strength exercises for major muscles. If you are not someone who is likely to want to go to the gym and lift weights (I am no longer someone who enjoys this), there are various combination exercise that would equate to strength training as well as aerobic exercise: Vinyasa yoga, rocket yoga, circuit training class, CrossFit, climbing and bouldering, and boxing training. If you prefer more moderate exercise, she suggests 150 minutes a week and for more strenuous workouts such as running, 75 minutes. You can mix and match the two to find a balance that works for you. The type of exercise you engage in regularly will give you certain benefits, so it is best to incorporate some sort of more strenuous or mentally challenging activity that holds your attention in the present moment; however, again, any physical movement is beneficial. Also, especially after strenuous workouts, give yourself the necessary recovery time - a day, sometimes two - not from any type of physical activity, just not that strenuous workout that challenged your muscles. Benefits of exercise (again, please read the book to see specific examples of types of exercise for each of the following benefits): reverse brain aging improved cognitive performance, focus and attention improved memory and processing speeds reduced stress improve sleep quality elevation of mood reduced risk of anxiety, depression and severity of depression if genetically predisposed 6. Why yoga is one of the best things to give your brain As many listeners and readers know, I have been practicing yoga, vinyasa yoga, for 13+ years. A quality and well-trained and informed instructor makes a tremendous difference in our ability to reap the benefits for our brains, so let me share what Wilson writes about yoga: "Though all kinds of physical activity provide health benefits, the practice of yoga is a natural integration of many of the lifestyle factors that have been shown in clinical trials to promote brain health." Yoga packs a one-two punch, and really a third punch as well. Beginning with the breath, yoga helps us to "focus on controlled use of the breath". By doing this we become more aware of our breath, and this ability is strengthened through meditation (we'll talk more about this in the next point). As well, as we move, we are stretching our muscles and our own bodies provide the resistance. So essentially, yoga gives us healthy brain activation through the deep breathing through the nose, the movement "promotes the process of neurogenesis" which was talked about above in #1 and meditation strengthens our control over our thoughts which improves our mindfulness which is associated with "reduced perceived stress, lowered anxiety, reduced inflammatory biomarkers and increased neurogenesis." There are very few reasons to not welcome yoga into your regular exercise program, even if you only include one of the three aspects above. 7. Meditate to strengthen how you think As mentioned above, but I think it is worth underlining for emphasis, especially as we are talking about the brain. When we regularly meditate, having a teacher or instructor guide you through the process as you build your understanding of why and how it works helps you to stick with it when you are just getting started. Meditation helps us become more mindful because we are becoming better at being observers of our thoughts, rather than wrapping ourselves up in them and being reactive which is not helpful. Becoming more mindful strengthens our awareness of ourselves, and helps us to step away from our emotions and thoughts and observe them, acknowledging their temporary nature and where and why they came from. As we begin Season 9 of the podcast, I will share an entire episode that will discuss the paradox of contentment and a piece of this paradox is the realization that when we become more mindful, which is what meditation helps us do, we begin making more constructive choices in our lives. We begin to create environments, engage with people who fuel our lives in ways that alleviate or eliminate stress, and we also give ourselves the tools to navigate situations we do not have control over. So as much as contentment is about finding peace no matter what is going on outside of us, it is also giving us the tools to cultivate a life that invites more of what nurtures us than what harms us. 6 Benefits of Meditations and How to Meditate in Your Daily Life Wilson dedicates an entire chapter to Using the Breath, and begins by stating, "There is one powerful, criminally underused tool that is always available to you: your breath." When we become conscious of our breath and begin to strengthen our breathing (which what meditation exercises), "your breath can significantly improve your emotional resilience and psychological performance in a given task." She goes on to share a variety of options of structured breath practice and then goes on to address the vagus nerve which has a wide-reach throughout our entire body. "[The vagus nerve] is the main structural component of the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of our nervous system that is responsible for rest, relaxation and recovery, and it regulates heart rate and respiration." All of this is to say, because the vagus nerve "passes down the neck, its activity can be influenced by breathing practices . . . this is understood to be the primary way that breathing can have antidepressant effects." Lastly, remember the neuro pension plan we spoke about in #1? "It is important to note that "brain scans showed that regular meditators had thicker brains (think 'cognitive reserve') compared to non-meditators with similar lifestyles." ~Explore more posts and episodes on Mindfulness in TSLL's Archives. 8. Welcome regular visits to the sauna into your life (or 30-minute hot baths) Most of us don't have access to a sauna in our daily lives, but if we do, the brain benefits. Why? "Heat promotes neurogenesis. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, the compound that stimulates the growth of new brain cells, is reliably increased through exercise." So, while we want to have our regular workout regimen that we discussed above, enjoying 20-30 minutes in a sauna can have the same effects, and if you don't have access to a sauna, I am giving you a reason to enjoy a hot bath for 30 minutes regularly. ☺️ 9. Strengthen your emotional intelligence Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a skill each of us can learn and strengthen. Not only does EQ improve our relationship with ourselves, our self-esteem and confidence, it also strengthens our ability to connect healthily with others, communicating in a non-violent way to both have a voice and listen to what others are truly saying. I won't go into too much detail about EQ here, but be sure to tune in to episode #140 of the podcast which is focused entirely on this subject. However, quickly, let me share a list of ideas to ponder when it comes to understanding our emotions and not shying away from being a student of them: Let yourself feel your emotions - constructively of course, but don't suppress them. This only causes more stress to the brain. Wilson explains that yes, letting yourself feel envy as well as jealousy are beneficial not because we should act on them in the manner that is often shown on television, etc., but rather to observe something in ourselves. Wilson shares quite succinctly: envy reveals our self-esteem is threatened; jealous reveals our exclusivity is threatened, or our ability to feel a part of something with another. We cannot control other people, but we can control ourselves, and if we are depending upon others to lift our self-esteem or make us feel welcome, this should tell us we have some work to do on ourselves, and that is valuable information. Have those necessary difficult conversations if it is a relationship you wish to repair, strengthen or maintain. Use the non-violent communication method as discussed in episode #293. "Even if the other person can't understand or won't change, there is often tremendous value in demonstrating to yourself that you are worth sticking up for." As well, you build your emotional confidence as "having a big conversation makes it easier to have another, and often the conversations never go as badly as you think they will." Let yourself cry. "The action of crying, which typically includes deep breaths, may stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and recovery". episode #140: Emotional Intelligence: A Crucial Tool for Enhanced Quality in Life and Work 10. Revel in self-care rituals Self-care and knowing what you need and how it benefits you is part of having a strong emotional intelligence. Each of us is different as to what we need, and why we need it, but if you choose to be the student of yourself, you will discover the answers you have been seeking that seem to be impossible to translate, especially if others seem to have figured it out and you've tried what they've done, but it doesn't work for you. Adhering to a regular self-care regimen is a necessity, not a luxury. We've talked about this truth in previous episodes (#242, #227) and this post about well-being. One of the reasons we must permit ourselves engagement in self-care rituals is that it gives us space and time when we notice we are stressed to decompress so that we don't react, but rather, when we have composed ourselves, respond in a manner we will not regret. 11. Invest in building a healthy social support community Because so much of America's life is go-go-go, our social support structure is weakened, and some relationships receive too much of the burden to care for one another - our spouse, our children, etc. In other words, if after reading #2 on this list you realized how stressed you actually were, start to make real changes, and make room for connecting with people in your life that are healthy connections - friends, neighbors, people in the community you want to be a part of. When you diversify and connect genuinely, not out of a place of desperation or want, such connections may take time, but that is actually quite healthy because you realize who is trustworthy and they see that you are trustworthy, and they also come to realize you don't want anything but a real human-to-human connection. When it comes to friends, be a friend. Connect. Stop dancing on the surface - texting is nice for logistics, but it's not a deep connection. Make time to talk face-to-face, and perhaps you will also realize who your real friends are and who is just keeping you in their circle for disingenuous reasons. By being someone who is grounded and secure, you will be better able to know who to connect with, who to invest your time and who to be vulnerable with, and they will see that in you as well. Having a strong, healthy, social support system reduces stress, rather than creates it. The former is the goal, and that is reason enough to determine who you should share your time with. 12. Know your values and have a purpose that lights you up When you have a purpose, that is your purpose, not society's or your parents or [the person who you are trying to gain approval from], the endorphins increase in your mind when you engage in this activity, and that is positive fuel for the brain as it reduces stress and reduces inflammation. 13. Travel regularly To travel is to feed your brain well. Travel builds cognitive flexibility. So the next time you think taking that dream trip to France is a luxury, oh no, no, no, it is not. It is a necessity. Why? Because you are challenging your mind to be surrounded and immersed in a culture that isn't rote, that isn't what you know or are familiar with, so you are exercising the mind and new synapses are firing, and neurogenesis is happening. A very, very good thing. So where are you going next and how soon can you do it? ☺️ 14. Be a realistic optimist Wilson is adamant that being a positive thinker actual involves a bit of denial and delusion. "It contains too much of what I recognise as emotional suppression for it to be a sustainable approach to psychological health." For this reason she embraces the concept of realistic optimism, "in which you pay attention to negative outcomes but do not dwell on them, instead focusing on the growth opportunities, is associated with greater resilience than either a pessimistic or unrealistically optimistic viewpoint." In other words, mindfulness and meditation come in to play here which give you the tools to observe your thoughts when something goes not as you would have preferred, giving you the space to respond rather than react, and then with a growth mindset, choose constructive action. 15. Failure is a prerequisite to success Speaking of things not going your way, if something didn't work out as you had hoped, some may call it failure, and it may well be in that instance, but when you shift your mind as to how you perceive the event, you give yourself fuel to use to point you in the best direction moving forward for success. 16. Let go of attachment to outcomes To piggy-back onto #15, when it comes to anything in which you are investing your heart, money, hopes and dreams, hold on to hope, but let go of attachment of what has to happen for it to work out well in your mind. If any of the variables are out of your control, which they likely will be or you would have made the changes already, you just cannot know how it will all work out. As we know, often, when it doesn't work out as we planned or expected, it is actually working out in our favor to be witnessed at a later time when we will better be able to appreciate it, but if we are so stuck and so focused on a narrow window of what 'has to happen', we'll never experience the latter outcome that is meant for us to revel in. 17. Clean those teeth! Professionally, that is. So much of our health ties into our gums and our teeth, so keep them expertly clean and tended to by visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing and flossing every day, twice at least. Wilson goes into great detail about the relationship of our teeth to our brain. I will let her explain, but it will give you the motivation to take these simple, regular steps to care for your teeth. 18. Acknowledge the power of social media and be proactive about distancing yourself from mindless use To blanket all social media as bad is incorrect. There are benefits and it comes down to how we use our phone. If you use social media to actively engage - connect, comment, extend appreciation, etc., then its fine, but if all you do is scroll, stop. In all cases, keep your phone out of reach. Don't have it next to you at all times, monitor your use, and use as a phone to stay in touch, but not to entertain you as that too is passively engaging and doesn't add to your social support system. If you use it to reach out to someone - go for it, but consciously be aware of how you truly do use social media. 19. Handwrite rather than typing or solely listening/reading If you are trying to learn something or understand something, take a pen or pencil and write it out. Studies and research have shown, our brains retain more information when we handwrite and we also deepen our understanding of the subject matter when we take the time to write out what we heard, read or are trying to understand. 20. Grow neurotransmitters for good and constructive habits In episode #245, I discussed the findings in the book Hardwiring Happiness which speaks to how we have to essentially train our brain to look for and savor the good, and we can in fact to do this. We can also do the opposite - look for only the negative, the bad, what won't work, and because we are doing this, we are causing more stress to our brain. I want to include a quote from Rick Hanson's book Hardwiring Happiness because it aligns beautifully with what Kimberley Wilson found when it comes to nourishing the brain, “The more [neurons] fire together, the more they wire together. In essence, you develop psychological resources by having sustained and repeated experiences of them that are turned into durable changes in your brain.” In other words, when a good or meaningful moment or event happens, focus on it, celebrate it and savor it. Consciously, really revel in it, no matter how big or small in the eyes of others. If it is something delights you, give it your full attention and dive deep into that feeling and that moment. You are beginning to rewire your brain. Continue to do this - repeat it often, and you can do that by looking for what you want and enjoy. Focus on habits in your life that are good as this will strengthen them rather than berating yourself for doing what doesn't help or isn't working. When trying to learn or acquire new knowledge, concentrate wholly (turn off distractions). When we are doing something new or experiencing something new - travel comes to my mind - our attention is wholly grabbed which makes it easier to absorb all that there is to see and become deeply moved by it. I want to circle back to habits - focusing on the ones you want to have in your life and refraining from dwelling on those that are not wanted. The only way a bad habit will be replaced (old hard-wiring) is if you stop doing it, stop focusing on it and replace it with something that you give your full attention and focus. It will take time to change it, but when you do, and it is a habit that is healthy, you will have all the more motivation to keep doing it, especially now that it is hard-wired into your brain. 21. Reduce money stress While Wilson doesn't go too far in-depth into finances, she does point out that money is a primary stressor in people's lives and chronic stress, if it is caused by money, is not good for the brain. Whatever you have to do to reduce your money stress, do it. Not only for your future financial stability, but for your overall health so you can enjoy a long and healthy life. 22. Find your reason for wanting to improve the health of your brain This # isn't really part of the list, but rather a reminder that if you want to a brain that will be working optimally well into your latter decades of life, the changes you need to make are not incredibly difficult, but rather habits you need to see as beneficial not just for tomorrow or to fit into that favorite pair of jeans, but because you want to enjoy living life and doing what you are doing now and possibly so much more. Wilson reminds readers to have self-compassion as you begin to make any or all of the changes she advises. 'If you need to make significant changes, it is inevitable that you will 'mess up'. Inevitable . . . Remind yourself that this is what change looks like. Remind yourself of the motivation [for making these changes]. Then find something that gives you a quick win for a much-needed morale boost." Why I found this book to be a book to inspire me to act is that it provided detailed reality outcomes that if we take action, specifically this is what happens in the mind, with our emotions, and thus in our daily lives. And when we make these changes to our simple everyday habits, our lives change in powerful ways for the long and short term. No longer should any of the above habits or suggestions be seen as vanity pursuits. These habits enhance your health, your relationships, the quality of a long life you will have the opportunity to live and live well. Petit Plaisir ~Kingdom

An exploration of the role of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the development of depression. I discuss the role of serotonin in promoting the production of neurotrophic growth factor, the role the growth factor plays in facilitating neurogenesis and neural plasticity, and the various regions of the brain which are implicated in depression. I conclude by discussing the various cognitive distortions and other phenomena associated with depression, and how they can be treated by both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 38: Neurons and Synapses. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything