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Your Brain Uncovered with Aya Tarabeine

Your Brain Uncovered with Aya Tarabeine

By Aya

Your Brain Uncovered brings you in-depth interviews with pioneering scientists and innovators in the neuroscience and biotech landscape.
We talk to scientists from top-level peer-reviewed journals, such as Nature, Science, Cell, and Neuron.
We also discuss existing and emerging studies to understand how our nervous system works and translate these findings into the form of everyday tools.
If you are interested in the brain, then this is the "cast for you".
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Currently playing episode

Dr Christopher Madan: Academia and the World Beyond

Your Brain Uncovered with Aya TarabeineSep 26, 2022

00:00
27:32
Marcus Glennon: The Rise of DMT Research

Marcus Glennon: The Rise of DMT Research

In this episode,

Sep 25, 202323:57
Dr Patrick Arnott: Development Director at Metabolon, Inc.

Dr Patrick Arnott: Development Director at Metabolon, Inc.

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Patrick Arnott, Ph.D., the Business Development Director at Metabolon, Inc. We delve into his remarkable career journey, emphasising the transformative influence of effective mentorship, embracing calculated risks, and remaining receptive to career transitions. Additionally, Dr. Arnott sheds light on the pivotal and groundbreaking work underway at Metabolon. This conversation promises to captivate a broad audience, as it unravels the intricate web of factors impacting our health – encompassing genetics, the microbiome, diseases, and lifestyle choices – all of which shape our well-being by modulating metabolite levels within the body and other biological systems. This ought to be of interest to all, as almost every factor that affects health – from genetics and the microbiome to disease and lifestyle – exerts its influence by altering metabolite levels in the body or other biological system.


- Discussed Articles:

1- https://www.nature.com/articles/nature20796

2- Rothschild et al, Nature, 2018 Mar 8;555(7695):210-215.  DOI:10.1038/nature25973 


- Link to Metabolon:

https://www.metabolon.com/

Sep 17, 202325:32
Dr Mazdak Ehteramyan: Senior Scientist at GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)

Dr Mazdak Ehteramyan: Senior Scientist at GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)

In this episode, my guest was Mazdak Ehteramyan, Ph.D., a senior scientist at GSK (GlaxoSmithKline). We discuss the major responsibilities inherent in the role of a senior scientist within the research and development (R&D) department. This episode covers a range of topics: a day in the life of a GSK scientist, academia vs. industry, drive vs. ambition, and the importance of cultivating people’s skills.

Sep 11, 202332:13
Sartorius Experts: Meet Philipp Conradi (NCAS)

Sartorius Experts: Meet Philipp Conradi (NCAS)

  • The Sartorius Experts is a podcast produced by the ACA BPS team. Once a month, we bring you the stories behind the lives of daily BPS experts.

    Speaker:In this episode we interview Philipp Conradi, a New Customer Acquisition Specialist (NCAS) delivering a clear, sharp, and precise storyline of how he landed this position. He speaks of navigating the BPS Landscape, and offers insights into the diverse approaches and perspectives he has employed to tackle challenges.

Jul 07, 202323:27
Career Series: Dr. Dimitrios Pinotsis - Computational Neuroscientist

Career Series: Dr. Dimitrios Pinotsis - Computational Neuroscientist

In the second episode of our Career Series. Today, we are honoured to be joined by Dr. Dimitris Pinotsis, a leading expert in the field of computational neuroscience. Dr. Pinotsis holds a PhD in Mathematics and Neuroscience from the prestigious University of Cambridge and is the founder and head of the Pinotsis Lab.

Dr. Pinotsis will share invaluable insights into his career journey, and discuss the vital role mathematics plays in the study of the brain. He will elaborate on how computational modeling can provide us with a deeper understanding of brain function, and how neural networks can be simulated and analyzed through mathematical methods.

Moreover, we'll delve into the challenges of developing precise brain models, and explore how these models can assist in comprehending neurological disorders.

So, buckle up and join us as we take a deep dive into the exciting world of computational neuroscience with the brilliant Dr. Dimitris Pinotsis!


LINKS MENTIONED

  • https://www.pinotsislab.com/
  • https://www.city.ac.uk/about/people/academics/dimitrios-pinotsis
Mar 01, 202330:49
Career Series: Dr Biniyam Ayele - Senior Neurologist

Career Series: Dr Biniyam Ayele - Senior Neurologist

This episode is the first of this show’s career series. After listening to this you will come to a better understanding of our guest’s unique career path.  Hopefully, our special guest will provide you with an overview and understanding of what his position entails, his why and how to follow his footsteps or pave your own unique path.

Dr Biniyam is one of the few, enthusiastic young neurologists whose future endeavours are improving dementia care in Ethiopia. Tune in to listen to how he aims to reduce the scale and impact of dementia, by designing and developing a pragmatic strategic plan relevant to dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.


LINKS MENTIONED

https://www.gbhi.org/profiles/biniyam-ayele

Feb 20, 202325:31
Dr Sandra Langeslag: The Principles of Romantic Love

Dr Sandra Langeslag: The Principles of Romantic Love

Romantic love, obsessive love, passionate love, infatuation: Call it what you will, almost all of us have known its ecstasy and anguish. What makes a good partner? Are you doing your part in making the relationship work? Do you see yourself being in a relationship with the person you are with now for years to come?

This episode will discuss the neuroscience of romantic relationships. We will focus on desire, love and attachment. We will also explain the science underlying romantic love and outline tools for those seeking to find a strong, healthy relationship, or for those wanting to strengthen an existing relationship.


- Academic Profile:

https://www.umsl.edu/psychology/psychology/faculty/langeslag.html

- Link to Lab:

http://www.umsl.edu/~langeslags/ 

Feb 06, 202339:01
Dr Ben Newland: Tackling Brain Cancer Using Cryogel Microcarriers

Dr Ben Newland: Tackling Brain Cancer Using Cryogel Microcarriers

The following is a conversation with Dr Ben Newland a lecturer at the University of Cardiff and a pioneer in the field of translational sciences. Dr Newland has made numerous contributions as a researcher in utilizing nano, micro and macroscale materials for use in the therapeutic avenue. 


This episode will discuss drug repurposing for Glioblastoma, also known as Brain Cancer. It will also review current advances in modes of drug delivery.

- Keywords: Cryogel scaffolds, local drug delivery, cancer therapy.

- Dr Newland's:

- Academic Profile

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/974329-newland-ben

- Website

https://www.newlandresearch.com/

Jan 30, 202344:30
Dr Daniel Brown: The Science of Thriving
Dec 07, 202231:01
Dr Nick Fallon: The Neuroscience of Chronic Pain

Dr Nick Fallon: The Neuroscience of Chronic Pain

My guest is Dr Nick Fallon. Dr Fallon completed his PhD at the University of Liverpool. His research focuses on utilising MRI methodologies and electroencephalography to analyse brain function and structure in chronic pain patients. 

This episode will interest those curious about the neuroscience of chronic pain, its purpose and what happens in cases of its complete absence. We discuss the neurobiology of pain and fibromyalgia. We also explore the various available treatments and the future therapeutic directions for MRI methodologies in particular. 

Dr Nick Fallon's: 

1- Academic Profile: 

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/population-health/staff/nicholas-fallon/

2- Twitter:

https://twitter.com/nick_fallon


Oct 20, 202239:51
Dr Christopher Madan: Academia and the World Beyond
Sep 26, 202227:32
Dr Mehdi Keramati: The Budding Relationship between AI and Neuroscience

Dr Mehdi Keramati: The Budding Relationship between AI and Neuroscience

Please enjoy my interview with Dr Mehdi Keramati (mehdi.keramati@city.ac.uk). In this episode, we highlighted the important relationship between AI and neuroscience. We heavily emphasized how AI can benefit from neuroscience, and vice-versa.

Dr Keramati has a Computational Neuroscience (PhD). He has worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, and the Max Planck Center for Computational Psychiatry at the University College of London. Currently,  he actively researches artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Techniques at the Department of Psychology at the City, University of London. 

- Takeaway Notes: 

- Both AI and Neuroscience, share the same goal of understanding the secrets of human cognition.

- The relationship between these disciplines is a two-way street. 

- AI researchers can use ideas from neuroscience to build new technology, and neuroscientists learn from the behaviour of artificial agents to better interpret biological brains.

- Learning how the brain works, which, in turn, can inspire the design and development of artificial neural networks while reaffirming the validity of previously developed algorithms.

- Link to Dr Keramati's Academic Profile: 

https://www.city.ac.uk/about/people/academics/mehdi-keramati#publications-link

Sep 19, 202229:31
Dr Tom Beesley on : Our Attentional System & Associative Learning

Dr Tom Beesley on : Our Attentional System & Associative Learning

Today on The Your Brain Uncovered Podcast, we have Dr Tom Beesley, psychologist, and senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Lancaster University. Here, we talked about the role of attention, intention and conscious awareness in learning. Alongside, the tools are being used to understand them in the field, and how to leverage our attentional system for goal-directed behaviour. We have so much we can learn from Dr Tom Beesley, and he is on a mission to share his knowledge to help as many people as he can in his lifetime. We hope you enjoy today's Special Episode. 

- Don't forget to check out his academic Profile: 

https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sci-tech/about-us/people/tom-beesley#publications

Aug 29, 202240:17
Rebecca Powell on: Artificial Nerve Regeneration

Rebecca Powell on: Artificial Nerve Regeneration

On this special episode, my guest is Rebecca Powell. Rebecca is a final year PhD student at the School of Pharmacy, working as a part of the Phillips lab. Her research focuses on the development of a tissue-engineered neural construct to improve the efficiency of peripheral nerve regeneration. 

Hopefully, after this episode, you will come to discover the fascinating work being done in the world of peripheral nerve engineering. In addition, you will receive tips on navigating your way through a PhD, if that is on the charts for you. 

- Rebecca's Academic Profile: 

https://iris.ucl.ac.uk/iris/browse/profile?upi=RPOWE68

Aug 22, 202226:29
Dr Christopher Madan on: Understanding Emotional Memory

Dr Christopher Madan on: Understanding Emotional Memory

Have you ever wondered why is that you remember the name of your childhood best friend, but you struggle to recall the name of the person you just met- even if they told you it just five minutes ago? They’re both names after all. Despite this outward similarity, however, it’s clear some memories stick stronger than others. But what are the reasons behind this? 

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Christopher Madan. Dr Christopher R. Madan is an Assistant Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Nottingham. He is joining us today to help us better understand the factors that make some experiences more memorable than others-including emotion, motivation, and pre-existing semantic knowledge-and how these influences can manifest in future decisions.

- Academic Profile:

- https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/psychology/people/christopher.madanv

- Dr Madan's Upcoming Book: 

- https://link.springer.com/book/9783030826079


-Keywords:

Emotion, Limbic System, Chemical synapse, Happiness, Emotional Memory.

Aug 08, 202229:38
Dr Katherine Dyke on: Using Brain Stimulation for Tourette's Syndrome

Dr Katherine Dyke on: Using Brain Stimulation for Tourette's Syndrome

It's thought that between 200,000 and 300,000 people in the UK have Tourette's to one degree or another. Tourette’s is a neurological condition characterised by motor and vocal “tics”; involuntary actions such as coughs, twitches, and fully articulated phrases. Now although there's no cure for Tourette syndrome, treatments are available!

In today's episode, we are joined by none other than Dr Katherine Dyke. Dr Katherine Dyke is an assistant professor in the faculty of science at the University of Nottingham. She focuses on using a range of techniques to understand the neurobiology of Tourette's Syndrome and to develop novel therapies based on this understanding. Here she will be giving us more insight into the large-scale work she is carrying out using movement-related brain oscillations to suppress tics in Tourette Syndrome. 

- Dr Dyke's Academic Profile: 

- https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/psychology/people/katherine.dyke

- Link to Charity: 

- https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk/

- Discussed Publication: 

https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(20)30558-3.pdf

Aug 01, 202228:46
Dr Janina Hoffmann on: The Neuroscience of Decision Making

Dr Janina Hoffmann on: The Neuroscience of Decision Making

We live in a world of overwhelming choice. We are called upon to make decisions, large and small, many times a day. We could better navigate the world around us by understanding the mechanisms that underlie the elements of decision-making. In today’s episode, we are looking at the Neuroscience of Decision Making. Our guest is the cognitive neuroscientist Dr Janina Hoffman. Dr Hoffman is a lecturer at the University of Bath, and her research focuses on memory-based decision-making.

-  In this episode we discuss:

. The brain mechanisms that underlie simple forms of decisions.

. The brain areas involved in decision making

. The relationship between memory and decision making

. The effects of Cognitive Load

. How to make better-informed decisions

- Dr Hoffman’s Academic Profile:

https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/janina-hoffmann

- Dr Hoffman’s Research Blog:

https://memorybaseddecisions.blog/research/

- Keywords: Psychology decision making, Modelling, Judgment, Memory, Learning.

Jul 18, 202234:57
Dr George Stothart on: A New Brain Wave Test for Detecting Alzheimer’s

Dr George Stothart on: A New Brain Wave Test for Detecting Alzheimer’s

In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about a pioneering brain wave test that could dramatically increase the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's. This new EEG technique is known as Fast Periodic Visual Stimulation and joining us on today’s episode to better understand it is none other than Dr George Stothart. He is a senior lecturer at the University of Bath and one of the creators of this two-minute test that can measure people's brain waves in response to a series of flashing images.

Jul 11, 202228:22
Mr Edward White: The Spread of Misinformation

Mr Edward White: The Spread of Misinformation

From setting mobile phone towers on fire to refusing critical vaccinations, we know the proliferation of misinformation online can have massive, real-world consequences. Joining me in today’s episode is Mr Edward White. Mr White is completing his PhD at Kingston University, and his research focuses on understanding the misinformation paradigm and the critical factors that influence people and their willingness to engage in misinformation. 

Here we will describe the cognitive, social and affective factors that lead people to form or endorse misinformed views, and we will attempt to better understand the psychological barriers to knowledge revision after misinformation has been corrected.

- Keywords:  Misinformation, Cognitive decision making, Forensic psychology, Offending behaviour.

- Academic Profile:

- https://www.kingston.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/research-degree-students/profile/edward-white-563/

- Further Reading & Resources:

1- Basol, M., Roozenbeek, J., & van der Linden, S. (2020). Good news about Bad News: Gamified inoculation boosts confidence and cognitive immunity against fake news. Journal of Cognition, 3(1), 1-9.

2- Roozenbeek, J., van der Linden, S., & Nygren, T. (2020). Prebunking interventions based on inoculation theory can reduce susceptibility to misinformation across cultures. The Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review 1(2).

Jul 04, 202227:42
Dr Giullia Galli: The Neuroscience of Political Decision-making

Dr Giullia Galli: The Neuroscience of Political Decision-making

My guest on today’s episode is Dr Giulia Galli. She is a cognitive neuroscientist at Kingston University who is renowned for her research on the neural correlates of political decisions, which she investigates using neuroscience tools such as functional imaging and neural network models. By the end of this episode, I promise you're going to understand a lot more about how you have come to hold your political stance. There's going to be a little bit of story. There's going to be a lot of discussion about the people who made these discoveries. There'll be a little bit of technical language. Since there's no way to avoid that! 

- Keywords: political neuroscience; necropolitics; political psychology; biopolitics; political cognition; emotion; political ideology; neuroimaging; political decision making.

- Dr Giulia Galli Academic Profile:

https://www.kingston.ac.uk/staff/profile/dr-giulia-galli-586/

- Link to the discussed piece:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-96193-y


Jun 27, 202229:35
Dr Nancy Padilla-Coreano: How Do We Navigate Ourselves within Social Spaces?
Jun 20, 202225:15
Dr Stone Hsieh: The Effects of Physical Exercise on the Brain

Dr Stone Hsieh: The Effects of Physical Exercise on the Brain

In this episode, my guest is Dr Stone Hsieh. Dr Hsieh is a researcher at Kingston University. His ongoing work offers tremendous insight into how exercise interventions modulate brain, cognition, and mental health in individuals with typical and atypical neurocognitive development. Here Dr Hsieh particularly shares the cognitive-enhancing effects of physical exercise on cognition in children. He also touches on the various ways we can leverage physical exercise to enhance our overall academic and work performance. 

- You can reach Dr Hsieh on Twitter: @sshsieh75

- Academic Publications: 

https://www.kingston.ac.uk/staff/profile/dr-stone-hsieh-1300/

- Discussed Publications: 

. On Child Obesity: https://eprints.kingston.ac.uk/id/eprint/50572/

. On Cases of ADHD: https://eprints.kingston.ac.uk/id/eprint/50518/

Jun 13, 202229:22
Dr Aaron Heller: The Neural Underpinnings of Depression
Jun 06, 202224:39
Dr Kyriaki Nikolaou: Cognitive Training for Alcohol Abuse

Dr Kyriaki Nikolaou: Cognitive Training for Alcohol Abuse

Around one in five residents of the UK will develop an alcohol use disorder, such as dependence, during their lifetime.  While some people will seek treatment for problem drinking, more than half of patients who go through inpatient withdrawal treatment, or detox, relapse within two weeks of discharge. Luckily, in this episode, we are joined by Dr Kyriaki Nikolaou to learn more about the positive results of cognitive brain training for people going through detox. Dr Nikolaou is a psychology lecturer at the University of Sussex. There, she happens to also investigate the neurocognitive underpinnings of cognitive biases to alcohol-related stimuli in heavy drinkers.

- Academic Profile: 

- https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p247247-kyriaki-nikolaou/about

- Discussed Publications: 

- https://www.nature.com/articles/npp201334.pdf

- https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs40429-015-0053-z

- https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs11065-018-9386-4

Most importantly, we would like to kindly credit Professor Victoria Manning and her team for developing the app "SWIPE".

- Link to the application: 

https://www.swipebraintraining.com.au/


May 30, 202227:03
 Dr Mircea Zloteanu: Detecting Deception

Dr Mircea Zloteanu: Detecting Deception

 The Truth and Nothing But? Lying and deception are common human behaviours. Until relatively recently, there has been little actual research into just how often people lie and why. In this special episode, I am joined by Dr Mircea Zloteanu a prominent lecturer in Criminal Psychology at Kingston University. His research investigates the facial, emotional and behavioural cues linked to being deceitful or truthful. Here he debunks the myths around lie detection and offers a fresh new outlook on detecting deception.

- Relevant Links : 

1 - Academic Profile: 

https://www.kingston.ac.uk/staff/profile/dr-mircea-zloteanu-1133/

2 - LinkedIn Profile: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirceaz

May 23, 202234:09
Dr Laura Smith: The Delicate Balance Between the Visual & Vestibular Systems

Dr Laura Smith: The Delicate Balance Between the Visual & Vestibular Systems

With everyone holidaying for summer, travel sickness is going to be an issue for many. Now, what seems to cause this? These feelings could be an evolution-based glitch in the brain, resulting from activation of the vestibular system. Joining us on this episode is Dr Laura Smith. She is a Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology at the Uni of Kent who is here to offer us illuminating insight into the links between our vestibular and visual systems. 

 - Relevant Links: 

1) Dr Laura Smith's Publications: https://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/3608/smith-laura

2) Organisation you can donate to: 

 Ménière’s Society: The national charity for people with dizziness… | Ménière’s Society (menieres.org.uk)
Home - VeDA (vestibular.org)

May 02, 202227:39
Dr Erik Gustafsson: The Gender Trap

Dr Erik Gustafsson: The Gender Trap

From the decision to paint a baby’s room pink or blue onward, many people have been taking young children’s sex as a guiding principle for minor and major socialization decisions regardless of their children’s individual characteristics and behaviours. In this episode, I am joined by Dr Erik Gustafsson in an incredible conversation exploring how parents and society influence children’s socialization to gender roles.

Apr 18, 202235:29
CEO Piotr Grzegorczyk: On Covid Genomics

CEO Piotr Grzegorczyk: On Covid Genomics

My guest in this episode is Mr Piotr Grzegorczy, the aspiring CEO of Covid Genomics, and one of the youngest entrepreneurs to be contributing to the development of RNA vaccines. Here, we discuss the ambition behind his biotechnological start-up and the ways his team is working alongside laboratories and pharmaceutical companies to help Predict future virus mutations and save lives. 

- Mr Piotr Grzegorczy's Links: 

1- Covid Genomics Main Website: 

https://covidgenomics.com/

2- LinkedIn Profile: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/p-grzegorczyk/

Apr 06, 202216:43
Dr Wijnand Van Tilburg: On the Science of Boredom

Dr Wijnand Van Tilburg: On the Science of Boredom

Implicated in everything from traumatic brain injury to learning ability, boredom has become extremely interesting to scientists. In this episode, I am joined by the fantastic experimental social psychologist Dr Wijnand Van Tilburg. His research mainly looks at the study of emotions in the context of decision making and has a very keen interest in the science of Boredom.
Tune in to gain a deep understanding of what boredom is, how it manifests in the brain and how it relates to factors such as self-control and creativity.
Dr Wijnand's Most Recent Publication:
O'Dea, M., Igou, E., Van Tilburg, W. and Kinsella, E., (2022). Self-compassion predicts less boredom: The role of meaning in life.. Personality and Individual Differences. 186 (B), 111360-111360
Mar 21, 202227:41
Dr Rael Dawry: On Making Sense of Our Misfortunes

Dr Rael Dawry: On Making Sense of Our Misfortunes

So we all have our little set of belief systems that is always with us, shaping our opinions and attitudes about ourselves and the world around us. Sometimes we fall into self-defeating beliefs that negatively impact our lives.  Fortunately,  In this episode, the amazing social psychologist Dr Rael Dawtry explains the science behind self-defeating behaviour and provides us with ways to overcome negative thinking and mistaken beliefs. Taking us through the avenues of his research, he elaborates on the just-world theory; immanent justice reasoning, as well as judgment and decision making.

- Dr Dawtry's Publications: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=IMVHK90AAAAJ&hl=en

- Professional Profile: https://www.essex.ac.uk/people/dawtr30502/rael-dawtry

Mar 09, 202244:11
Dr Michael C. Ashby: On Neuroplasticity Throughout the Lifespan

Dr Michael C. Ashby: On Neuroplasticity Throughout the Lifespan

I am inspired and excited to interview Dr Michael C Ashby. He is a senior lecturer at the School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience at the University of Bristol. In this episode, he joins me in an incredible conversation exploring neuroplasticity, the science of changing your brain, and how internal and external factors affect the brain throughout the lifespan.

- Highly interesting publications from Dr Ashby's lab: 

1- Lazic, S. E., Mellor, J. R., Ashby, M. C. & Munafo, M. R., 11 Feb 2020, In: Scientific Reports. 10, 10 p., 2366 (2020).

2- Ashby, MC., Daw, MI. & Isaac, JT., 2008, The Glutamate Receptors. Gereau, RW. & Swanson, GT. (eds.). Humana Press, p. 1 - 44 44 p.

3- Perestenko, PV., Ashby, MC. & Henley, JM., 2003, In: Biochemical Society Transactions. 31, p. 880 - 884. 

Mar 03, 202230:05
David Robson: On "The Expectancy Effect"

David Robson: On "The Expectancy Effect"

I am honoured to welcome the award-winning science journalist David Robson to today's episode of Your Brain Uncovered. Here we discuss his latest book "The Expectancy Effect". Diving deep into the placebo effect, the connection between the way we describe food and how much we eat, as well as how to take the sting out of exercise, tricky mental problems, and ageing. 

Feb 21, 202227:48
Dr Anthony Mangiacotti: On the Musicare Project
Feb 16, 202225:39
Professor Jorg Fachner: Where Music Perception Meets Consciousness

Professor Jorg Fachner: Where Music Perception Meets Consciousness

If there is a topic on which the humanities might make a distinctive claim, it is that of consciousness. Philosophers, psychologists, and musicologists have argued that music has the capacity to make its own claims in relation to consciousness. In this mind-boggling episode, I am joined by Professor Jorg Fachner, the co-director of the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research. Tune in to our deep dive into the neural correlates of consciousness as seen in studies of music perception.
- Kindly find some useful links, below:
1- Professor Fachner’s journal article “The Space between the Notes”.
2- The Ted Talk of Dr Jill Taylor “A Stroke of Insight”
Do not forget to let me know what you think of the episode with a review or a comment wherever you find my podcast. Thank you for your interest in science.
Feb 08, 202227:12
Dr Riccardo Manca: Understanding Psychosis and Delusion in Alzheimer’s disease

Dr Riccardo Manca: Understanding Psychosis and Delusion in Alzheimer’s disease

In this episode, we are fortunately joined by Dr Riccardo Manco, a neuroscientist and tenured research fellow at Brunel University London, to discuss the growing literature on psychosis and delusion in Alzheimer’s disease.
There is a lot to be gleaned out of his work. Instead of thinking of psychotic features as this taboo, icky subject, hopefully, today’s discussion will help clarify that it's a normal manifestation of these illnesses.
Do not forget to let me know what you think of the episode with a review or a comment wherever you find my podcast. Thank you for your interest in science.
- Useful links, are below:
- Dr Manco’s discussed work: Capogna, E., Manca, R., De Marco, M., Hall, A., Soininen, H. and Venneri, A. (2019) 'Understanding the effect of cognitive/brain reserve and depression on regional atrophy in early Alzheimer's disease". Postgrad Med, 131 (7). pp. 533 - 538. ISSN: 1941-9260
You can also find him on Twitter @NeuroRik
Jan 24, 202226:39
Professor Catherine Loveday's Musings on Music
Dec 03, 202127:39
Dr Jasmine Tan - Unraveling the State of Flow

Dr Jasmine Tan - Unraveling the State of Flow

I am joined here by the amazing expert at Flow, Dr Jasmine Tan. She is currently immersed in her studies at Oxford, but in this episode, she provides us with insights into the findings of her own PhD project with Professor Joydeep Bhattacharya in the domain of Flow. 

This episode pays tribute to the founder of the field himself Dr Csikszentmihalyi who has recently passed away. May his soul rest in peace. 

- Kindly find the link to Jasmine's original published paper titled What Does it Take to Flow? Investigating Links Between Grit, Growth Mindset, and Flow in Musicians” attached below: 

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2059204321989529

Oct 27, 202127:31
Bitesize: Hallucinations by Oliver Sacks

Bitesize: Hallucinations by Oliver Sacks

In his book, "Hallucinations" Oliver Sacks cites a host of vivid examples from 100 Varieties of Hallucinatory Experience: From Dancing Patterns to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Yes, you guessed it, just like the ones in Alice in Wonderland. Here is your bite-size review!
Oct 13, 202102:21
"Mindsteps" with Hamzah Selim the CEO of Mindset Technologies

"Mindsteps" with Hamzah Selim the CEO of Mindset Technologies

This week I am joined by the brilliant Hamzah Selim, the CEO of the app “Mindsteps”. Hamzah is an imperial alumni, and UCL medical student who is playing a major role in increasing accessibility to neurological care for dementia patients. Today he is here to share with us the driving ambition behind his app and how he is hoaxing in on preventive medicine to improve the overall life quality of dementia patients as well as the healthcare system hand in hand with the NHS. 

- You can download Mindsteps via the links provided below:

. IOS Users: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1530813748

. Other Users: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.capsuleplus.MindStep&hl=en_GB&gl=US

- You can follow Mindsteps on Instagram @meetmindsteps

Oct 06, 202125:32
Book Summary: The Tell-Tale Brain by V.S. Ramachandran

Book Summary: The Tell-Tale Brain by V.S. Ramachandran

Here is my book summary of The Tell-Tale Brain by V.S. Ramachandran. If you were to take away one thing from this book that would be that it is impossible to understand the human brain without understanding how it first evolved! 

Sep 29, 202108:31
Liz Hajj Nicholas: On the neural underpinnings of Tourettes Syndrome
Aug 02, 202107:04
Bitesize: Summary of The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge

Bitesize: Summary of The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge

Here is a snappy episode summarizing The Brain That Changes Itself, which was written by Norman Doidge. It explores the groundbreaking research in neuroplasticity and shares fascinating stories of people who can use the brain’s ability to adapt and be cured of ailments previously incurable!

Jul 14, 202105:52
How does our brain hallucinate conscious reality?

How does our brain hallucinate conscious reality?

At this very moment, as you read this, you’re experiencing a form of controlled hallucination called “ reality”. This talk will leave you questioning the very nature of your existence, as we dive into how your brain generates conscious experience.
Jul 07, 202111:10
Hélène Malik on the Brilliance of a Dyslexic Mind
Jun 30, 202118:10
Your Anxiety Navigated with Dr. Sneha John

Your Anxiety Navigated with Dr. Sneha John

Do not miss this! This is a highly anticipated episode with the one and only Dr Sneha John! As a clinical psychologist she has an abundance of experience working in the NHS, and the biggest heart to provide us with tremendously valuable tools and tactics to help soothe our anxiety in a proactive way.

- Feel free to reach out to her via her Instagram platform for any queries @snehajohn.posychologist

Jun 14, 202123:38
BiteSize: Behave by Robert Sapolsky

BiteSize: Behave by Robert Sapolsky

Here is a quick overview of what the book on the Biology of Humans at Their Best and Worst entail. Lengthy 800 page book coming to you in a snippet!
Jun 02, 202105:42
BITESIZE: Why We Sleep by Mathew Walker

BITESIZE: Why We Sleep by Mathew Walker

Here are my thoughts on Mathew Walker’s fascinating book, “Why We Sleep”..
Jun 02, 202106:58
The Emotional Life of your Brain

The Emotional Life of your Brain

Why are some people so quick to recover from setbacks? Why are some so attuned to others that they seem psychic? Why are some people always up and others always down? Let’s find out ..
Apr 26, 202111:07
Love is Blind

Love is Blind

In love, we fall. We're struck, we're crushed, we swoon. Our hearts ache, and then they break! This episode will give you a scoop into the three brain systems responsible for this since the birth of time..
Apr 03, 202110:25
Your Brain on Jazz Improvisation

Your Brain on Jazz Improvisation

Do you like jazz? Listen to what researchers have to say on what happens inside a jazz musician’s brain as they improvise euphonious melodies!
Mar 22, 202110:03