In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Farah Lubin, a neuroscientist from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to explore the fascinating world of epigenetics in the brain. Dr. Lubin shares her groundbreaking research on how gene expression can influence memory formation and neurological disorders like epilepsy. We also discuss how understanding these mechanisms could lead to novel therapies, along with the transformative power of epigenetics in brain science. Follow along as Dr. Lubin walks us through her unique career journey and sheds light on the evolving field of neuroepigenetics.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Farah Lubin and her research on epigenetics
(06:00) - Epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation and histone modifications
(09:00) - Epigenetics and brain plasticity in memory and learning
(12:00) - The role of DNA methylation in gene expression and memory
(18:00) - Epigenetics and the consolidation of long-term fear memories
(25:00) - How brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is influenced by epigenetics
(30:00) - The role of epigenetics in epilepsy development and resilience
(35:00) - Methionine supplementation and its potential impact on memory
(40:00) - The importance of environmental influences on the epigenome
(46:00) - Future directions in epigenetics: new sequencing technologies
(52:00) - Funding challenges in neuroscience research and the value of basic science
(56:00) - Advice for students interested in neuroscience and epigenetics

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Gill Livingston about her groundbreaking research on dementia. Dr. Livingston has played an important role in uncovering the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that contribute to our risk of developing dementia. Follow her on X @Gill_Livingston for more insights.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Gill Livingston and Her Research on Dementia
(00:30) - Dr. Livingston's Career Path and Inspiration for Dementia Research
(06:35) - The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Key Findings
(09:53) - Understanding Dementia’s Preventability and Main Risk Factors
(12:22) - Hearing Loss and Other Key Dementia Risk Factors
(22:45) - Blood Pressure, Air Pollution, and Dementia Risk
(29:44) - Amyloid Beta and Tau’s Role in Alzheimer’s Disease
(36:59) - Cognitive Reserve and the Impact of Education on Dementia Risk
(41:12) - Genetics in Dementia: APOE4 and Other Risk Genes
(46:24) - The Immune System’s Role in Alzheimer’s and Potential Treatments
(50:12) - Policy Implications for Dementia Prevention
(01:04:01) - Dr. Livingston’s Ongoing Research

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Athina Demertzi, PhD, a neuroscientist at the University of
Liège who studies human consciousness, especially in patients with severe brain injuries. We discussed her fascinating work on disorders of consciousness like the vegetative and minimally conscious states, and how brain imaging techniques have advanced our understanding of these conditions. We also talked about some treatments people have proposed for these conditions, including psychedelics.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction and Background

(01:58) - Defining Disorders of Consciousness: Coma, Vegetative, and Minimally Conscious States

(05:13) - Using Neuroimaging to Study Consciousness in Brain-Injured Patients

(07:36) - Predicting Recovery from Disorders of Consciousness

(09:51) - Auditory and Visual Cortex Communication in Conscious Patients

(15:16) - The Role of the Default Mode Network in Consciousness

(20:14) - Phase Coherence and Communication Across the Brain

(26:34) - Functional vs. Structural Connectivity in Consciousness

(28:24) - Theories of Consciousness: Global Workspace, Integrated Information, and Active Inference

(35:44) - Body-Brain Interactions in Anesthesia and Unconscious States

In this episode, I talk with Stephen Coombes, Ph.D. about neural field theory, or the theory of brainwaves. Dr. Coombes is Professor of Applied Mathematics in the School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Nottingham. We explore the foundations of neural field theory, how it models large-scale brain activity, and its relevance to understanding states of consciousness, visual hallucinations, and working memory. Dr. Coombes shares insights from his journey from theoretical physics to neuroscience, and we discuss the future directions and challenges in this fascinating field of study.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Neural Field Theory
(02:05) - Dr. Stephen Coombes’ Journey to Neuroscience
(10:06) - What is Neural Field Theory?
(16:22) - Why Model Average Firing Rates?
(24:00) - History and Evolution of Neural Field Theory
(32:12) - Mean Field Models vs. Neural Mass Models
(36:16) - Patterns in Neural Field Theory: Waves, Bumps, and Turing Patterns
(44:54) - Neural Field Theory as a Space-Time Model
(45:54) - Neural Field Theory and Visual Hallucinations
(50:06) - Working Memory and Neural Field Theory
(53:18) - Advances in Neural Field Theory
(59:53) - Recent Challenges and New Directions
(1:06:16) - The Future of Neural Field Theory
(1:09:34) - White Matter Plasticity and Its Role in Neuroscience
(1:12:28) - Closing Remarks and Resources

In this episode I talk with clinical psychologist Jay Skelton, Ph.D. and software engineer Andrew Leker about Willow. Willow is a new, empathetic AI specifically designed to be a mental health tool (and not a replacement for a licensed therapist). We take a deep dive into how Willow was trained, how strict safety guardrails were put in place, how Willow is already being used in mental health clinics, its privacy, and the future of AI for mental health. This podcast came out of a partnership with Bambu AI.

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - Trigger warning for mental health discussions
(00:01:17) - My interest in Willow AI
(00:02:54) - Andrew Leker introduces himself
(00:04:05) - Jay Skelton, Ph.D. introduces himself
(00:05:32) - Willow's role in mental health
(00:06:44) - Discussing Willow's design as an empathetic and curious agent
(00:07:34) - Importance of empathic interaction in mental health support
(00:09:04) - Willow's non-judgmental approach
(00:09:24) - Shaping Willow's empathetic identity
(00:12:16) - Real conversations in Willow's training
(00:14:04) - Evidence-based practices in Willow's training
(00:16:36) - Willow does not diagnose, just assists
(00:17:54) - Safety in Willow's interactions
(00:19:00) - Technical safety features in Willow
(00:24:33) - Handling suicidal ideation cautiously and safely
(00:26:59) - Jay's comfort as a clinical psychologist with deploying Willow
(00:30:00) - Willow's deployment in mental health clinics
(00:33:24) - AI's availability and affordability
(00:36:40) - Willow providing emotional support and guidance
(00:39:53) - Willow as a mental health tool
(00:45:38) - Privacy and security in Willow
(00:51:18) - Willow's potential for improvement over time
(00:52:10) - Benefits of Willow's feedback for therapists
(00:54:43) - Future applications of AI in mental health
(00:57:32) - Empathy and theory of mind in AI development
(01:00:54) - Importance of Willow's emotional intelligence
(01:07:48) - Positive feedback from patients using Willow

In this episode, I talk with Michael Treanor, PhD about the science of cognitive-behavioral therapy, and its foundations in the psychology and neuroscience of learning and memory.

You can find out more about Dr. Treanor's clinical practice at https://www.cacenterforanxietytrauma.com/.

In this podcast, Grace Lindsay, Ph.D. and I discuss some of the many fascinating intersections between neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

Bradley Crehan wasn't regaining consciousness after his brain injury, but then he became the first person in the world to receive an experimental treatment developed at UCLA by Martin Monti, PhD and his colleagues.

You can support our research here: https://thebrainscientist.com/donate/