Category Archives: Uncategorized

Ep 212: A network of networks

the brain

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A network of networks

It’s an old part of your brain, but still very complicated. With far too much to cover in one episode, Phil and I hit a few highlights of your reticular formation. From our old friend the substantia nigra; to the raphe nuclei acting as a source of serotonin; to our new friend, the pedunculopontine nucleus, which I never did pronounce right; we take a closer look at the network of networks that is your reticular formation.
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Ep 211: Black and blue brain bits

the brain

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Black and blue brain bits

Last week, Phil had questions. This week, we try to answer them. We also take a closer look at areas of the brain that have pigment in their neurons, and try to figure out what that pigment is there for.
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Ep 210: The gas and brakes in your brain

the brain

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The gas and brakes in your brain

Philosophy was fun, but let’s get back to looking at the brain, and the bits there in. Today we talk about a system that helps to activate and control the way you move. It’s one part of what’s happening in your “basal ganglia,” which is just fun to say.
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Ep 209: Do you really make choices?

the brain

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Do you really make choices?

We had trouble finding an ending last time. Probably because we weren’t done. There was more to say, and we say it. From AI and ethics, to the question of choice and free will, join us for another episode that creeps out of science and into the less than certain world of philosophy.
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Ep 208: Sometimes science isn’t enough

the brain

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Sometimes science isn’t enough

The mind body problem, the hard question of consciousness—why do you feel like you to you? Phil and I attempt to bridge the gap between science and philosophy, only to fall down the chasm. We struggle a while with questions that have no answers, mostly because it means we can’t possibly get them wrong. Join us for a talk about consciousness.
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Ep 207: Brains and batteries, oh my

the brain

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Brains and batteries, oh my

Our last recording went a little long. We split it in two, and this is the second part. Today we talk about the somewhat gruesome history of studying the electrical activity of the brain.
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Ep 206: Bloody brains!

the brain

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Bloody brains!

The parts of your brain that are working the hardest, need the most blood. Your brain actually pulsates with your heartbeat, and the flow of your blood within your brain changes from minute to minute. One of the ways to study the brain is to track its blood flow. Today, along with the fall of Eastern Rome, assassins, goats and tourniquets, Phil and I talk about early methods of tracking the brain’s blood flow.
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Ep 205: Pulsating, broken brains!

the brain

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Pulsating, broken brains!

Much of what we’ve learned about how our brain works came from the results of injury and disease. From the work of an ancient Egyptian doctor, to a roman physician patching up gladiators, to an unfortunate gunpowder accident in 1848, we talk about some of what we’ve learned from the brain about the brain when the brain breaks.
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Ep 204: Light, color, contrast, and brain cells

the brain

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Light, color, contrast, and brain cells

From simple staining, to neurons being stimulated by lasers, today we look at some of the ways we look at our brain, it’s cells, and how said brain cells work.
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Ep 203: Introducing “The Lab”

Uncategorized

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Introducing “The Lab”

After more than 200 episodes, we finally decided to introduce ourselves and the show. Learn a bit about who we are, what we’re doing and why. Also, rubber ducks!
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