In This Episode
Adam Gazzaley and Parneet Pal, Chief Science Officer of Wisdom Labs, discuss the challenges of the modern world for our ancient brains, how to become aware of, and overcome, the interference of distraction and multitasking, and the new era of digital medicine. Conversation includes: The critical elements of what it means to be human, ethical design of technology, the cascading effect of cognitive challenges, and harnessing neuroplasticity through experience to develop stronger brains.
Adam Gazzaley, M.D., Ph.D. is Professor in Neurology, Physiology and Psychiatry at the UCSF, and the Founder and Executive Director of Neuroscape. Dr. Gazzaley is co-founder and Chief Science Advisor ofAkili Interactive Labs and JAZZ Venture Partners. He has filed multiple patents, authored over 125 scientific articles, and delivered over 525 invited presentations around the world. He recently co-authored The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World. He has received many awards, including the 2015 Society for Neuroscience – Science Educator Award.
Links:
Adam Gazzaley
Neuroscape
The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World
The Perception Action Cycle
Closed Loop Systems and Neural Plasticity
Akili
NeuroRacer
Neuroracer study at UCSF
EVO – Cognitive ADHD Video Game Exploratory Study
MediTrain
Kevin Kelly
Show Notes
2:08 – The Cognition Crisis
4:06 – Your Interactive Brain
5:50 – Ancient Humans in a Modern World
7:14 – Navigating Interference
8:13 – Empathy for Our Evolution
9:08 – Distraction and Multitasking
11:20 – The Conflict of Goals
12:32 – Internal and External Interference
16:04 – The High Price of Distraction
18:35 – Leaning into the Discomfort of Workplace Distraction
19:57 – The Complex and Beautiful Brain
22:23 – Developing Stronger Brains
24:27 – Enhancing Neuroplasticity
26:12 – Experiences vs. Pharmaceuticals
28:12 – Challenges in Reproducing Experiential Treatment
29:07 – The Video Game Solution
31:59 – The Brave New Frontier of Digital Medicine
37:33 – Neuroscape’s Meditrain
41:20 – Optimizing Workplace Environments
43:41 – Urban Myths of Neuroscience Debunked
45:26 – Educational Tools for Improving Cognition
46:31 – The Responsibility of Technology Developers