Unplugging the Brain

In this episode, we examine evidence from Marc Lewis's work that addiction involves normal brain changes from learning, countering the disease narrative. We probe flaws in traditional views, discuss alternatives and what learning in context of addiction means, and consider real-world applications for policy and therapy.

Paper Discussed:

Brain Change in Addiction as Learning, Not Disease

Recorded at the CDI studio in the IoPPN (Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience) at King's College London.

In this episode we discuss consciousness, neuro modulation and how they apply to the elderly today. We also discuss how the feasibility of neuro modulation as a personalized form of medicine and the future of neuromodulation therapies in the current AI age.

Timestamps

(0:45) Intro

(01:26) Thoughts about Neuromodulation

(03:13) Introduction of Paper

(05:23) What is Consciousness?

(11:05) Max Planck's Quote on Consciousness

(13:35) Types of Brainwave Frequencies

(15:05) Discussing Paper Results

(25:08) Neuromodulation: Enhancement or Treatment

(35:50) Tech solving human problems?

(44:15) Prioritizing Conditions & Treatment Inequality

(47:16) Need for Measuring Long-Term Benefits

(50:19) Generalizability of Paper's Results

(55:06) Free Will, Consciousness & Memory

(57:10) Informed Consent for Neuromodulation

(59:10) Scalability and Influencer Culture

(59:50) Logistics of At-Home Treatment

(1:01:03) Key Takeaways

Paper Discussed

Long-lasting, dissociable improvements in working memory and long-term memory in older adults with repetitive neuromodulation

References:

Sleep Problems and Mental Health Issues in Older Adults with Autistic Traits Paper

Max Planck that talks about matter and consciousness. This is the closest to the source version :

"As a physicist who has devoted his whole life to rational science, to the study of matter, I think I can safely claim to be above any suspicion of irrational exuberance. Having said that, I would like to observe that my research on the atom has shown me that there is no such thing as matter in itself. What we perceive as matter is merely the manifestation of a force that causes the subatomic particles to oscillate and holds them together in the tiniest solar system of the universe. Since there is in the whole universe neither an intelligent force nor an eternal force (mankind, for all its yearnings, has yet to succeed in inventing a perpetual motion machine), we must assume that this force that is active within the atom comes from a conscious and intelligent mind. That mind is the ultimate source of matter."

Das Wesen der Materie [The Nature of Matter], a 1944 speech in Florence, Italy, Archiv zur Geschichte der Max‑Planck‑Gesellschaft, Abt. Va, Rep. 11 Planck, Nr. 1797

Recorded at the CDI studio in the IoPPN (Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience) at King's College London.

In this episode we discuss common beliefs on climate and the effects human activity has on it. We also discuss Dopamine and how it can be manipulated to approach how we act toward the climate henceforth.

In this episode we discuss psychedelics and how they can be used in depression in a case study. We also discuss how personalised medicine can manifest itself and the implications in today's society

Spontaneous remissions : Kelly A Turner, University of Berkeley

Findings used in Cancer treatment approaches