What if your eyes are already processing your environment before the signal ever reaches your conscious brain?

In this episode of The Early Perspective, we sit down with neuroscientist and NYU postdoctoral researcher Dr. Karina Bistrong, who recieved her PhD from UC Berkeley, to uncover the hidden intelligence of the visual system. We move past the common misconception that the retina acts like a simple camera sensor, exploring how it functions as an intricate, evolutionarily conserved processor that computes complex details like contrast, edges, and motion on its own.

Karina breaks down her groundbreaking thesis research on how neural circuits develop the ability to decode direction. We explore the phenomenon of "retinal waves," spontaneous bursts of electricity that sweep across embryonic eyes in complete darkness, and how this pre-birth activity pre-programs our ability to track the physical world. From the odd mechanics of horizontal motion tracking to her current work mapping motor control circuits in the basal ganglia, this episode offers a fascinating look at how the brain builds its map of reality.

Hosted by Avanish Srinivasan. Learn more at youngaxons.com.