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6. Hurricanes in the Brain: A New Plan for Neuroscience (Part 2)
In Episode 6 - Part 2 of Leafing Through Science, Hedi continues his conversation with neuroscientist Nicole Rust, author of “Elusive Cures: Why Neuroscience Hasn’t Solved Brain Disorders – and How We Can Change That”. If Part 1 set the stage for a whole new way of thinking about the brain, Part 2 shows where that shift might take us.
Nicole explores how moving away from the “domino-chain” view of the brain toward seeing it as a complex dynamical system – full of feedback loops and interactions – is opening doors to exciting new discoveries. They talk about the challenges of measuring brain disorders, why fundamental research is so essential, and how predicting salmon populations can help predict seizures in the brain.
Along the way, they touch on Nobel Prizes won for solving problems without fully understanding how, surprising insights into why we sleep, and yes, there’s even room for a cat quip or two.
Every two weeks, the podcast series Leafing Through Science brings together host Hedi Young, Champalimaud Foundation neuroscientist and science communicator, with the authors behind some of the most fascinating non-fiction books in the life sciences. From new releases to timeless classics, we explore everything from the mysteries of consciousness and free will, to alien hands and minds under siege. Expect page-turning ideas, head-spinning science, and stories that might just change how you see the world – and yourself.
Relevant links:
“Elusive Cures: Why Neuroscience Hasn’t Solved Brain Disorders – and How We Can Change That” by Nicole Rust
More about Nicole
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:52) Chaos in the Brickyard: Bricks vs. Buildings
(02:54) Measuring Depression: The Standardisation Dilemma
(05:01) Studying Causes in Isolation Isn’t Enough
(06:47) AlphaFold and the Nobel Prize Paradox
(10:40) Replacing the Cartesian Theatre
(14:44) The Parkinson’s Puzzle: Maths Meets Medicine
(17:29) From Salmon to Seizures: Lessons from Ecology
(20:43) When Talk Therapy Rewires the Brain
(24:26) The Retina Project: Speaking the Brain’s Language
(26:57) The Case for Curiosity
(28:53) Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work
(31:14) The New Grand Plan for Neuroscience
(35:06) The Brain as a Two-Sided Coin
(39:11) Barriers Beyond the Lab
(40:33) Big Teams, Little Teams
(41:59) Cancer as a Complex System
(43:42) Things vs Processes: Cat or Catting?
(47:03) Wrapping Up
Episode Credits:
Creator & Series Producer: Hedi Young
Concept Development & Curation: Ana Rita Mendes, António Monteiro, Carla Emilie Pereira, Catarina Ramos, Diana Cadete, Hedi Young, João Van Zelst, John Lee, Marta Correia, Thaïs Lindemann, Andreia Pinho and Teresa Fernandes
Host: Hedi Young
Guest: Nicole Rust
Graphic Design: Marta Correia
Sound Design: João Van Zelst
Dissemination: Ana Rita Mendes, Diana Cadete, Andreia Pinho and Thaïs Lindemann
View all episodes
By Champalimaud FoundationIn Episode 6 - Part 2 of Leafing Through Science, Hedi continues his conversation with neuroscientist Nicole Rust, author of “Elusive Cures: Why Neuroscience Hasn’t Solved Brain Disorders – and How We Can Change That”. If Part 1 set the stage for a whole new way of thinking about the brain, Part 2 shows where that shift might take us.
Nicole explores how moving away from the “domino-chain” view of the brain toward seeing it as a complex dynamical system – full of feedback loops and interactions – is opening doors to exciting new discoveries. They talk about the challenges of measuring brain disorders, why fundamental research is so essential, and how predicting salmon populations can help predict seizures in the brain.
Along the way, they touch on Nobel Prizes won for solving problems without fully understanding how, surprising insights into why we sleep, and yes, there’s even room for a cat quip or two.
Every two weeks, the podcast series Leafing Through Science brings together host Hedi Young, Champalimaud Foundation neuroscientist and science communicator, with the authors behind some of the most fascinating non-fiction books in the life sciences. From new releases to timeless classics, we explore everything from the mysteries of consciousness and free will, to alien hands and minds under siege. Expect page-turning ideas, head-spinning science, and stories that might just change how you see the world – and yourself.
Relevant links:
“Elusive Cures: Why Neuroscience Hasn’t Solved Brain Disorders – and How We Can Change That” by Nicole Rust
More about Nicole
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:52) Chaos in the Brickyard: Bricks vs. Buildings
(02:54) Measuring Depression: The Standardisation Dilemma
(05:01) Studying Causes in Isolation Isn’t Enough
(06:47) AlphaFold and the Nobel Prize Paradox
(10:40) Replacing the Cartesian Theatre
(14:44) The Parkinson’s Puzzle: Maths Meets Medicine
(17:29) From Salmon to Seizures: Lessons from Ecology
(20:43) When Talk Therapy Rewires the Brain
(24:26) The Retina Project: Speaking the Brain’s Language
(26:57) The Case for Curiosity
(28:53) Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work
(31:14) The New Grand Plan for Neuroscience
(35:06) The Brain as a Two-Sided Coin
(39:11) Barriers Beyond the Lab
(40:33) Big Teams, Little Teams
(41:59) Cancer as a Complex System
(43:42) Things vs Processes: Cat or Catting?
(47:03) Wrapping Up
Episode Credits:
Creator & Series Producer: Hedi Young
Concept Development & Curation: Ana Rita Mendes, António Monteiro, Carla Emilie Pereira, Catarina Ramos, Diana Cadete, Hedi Young, João Van Zelst, John Lee, Marta Correia, Thaïs Lindemann, Andreia Pinho and Teresa Fernandes
Host: Hedi Young
Guest: Nicole Rust
Graphic Design: Marta Correia
Sound Design: João Van Zelst
Dissemination: Ana Rita Mendes, Diana Cadete, Andreia Pinho and Thaïs Lindemann