Episode 43- Sensorimotor Circuits in Zebrafish with Dr. Tod Thiele
On this episode of Brain Matters, Matt and Dr. Tod Thiele (Assistant Professor, University of Toronto Scarborough) talk about a model organism we haven’t featured on the podcast yet- zebrafish. In his new lab, Tod is continuing his work on neural circuits in the zebrafish using all the latest imaging and optogenetic techniques.
Music on today’s episode by Dude Elseberry
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Episode 42 - Enhancing Cognition with Video Games with Dr. Adam Gazzaley
On this episode of Brain Matters, Anthony talked with Adam Gazzaley (Professor, UCSF) about his work on cognition. Adam develops and designs video games that are fun to play and also have enhancing cognitive effects.
Music on today’s episode by Anthony Lacagnina
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Optogenetic activation of vM GABAergic neurons induces REM sleep
In our interview with Dr. Yang Dan, she described her research on the circuits involved in sleep. This video from her recent paper shows the induction of REM sleep via activation of a population of neurons in the ventral medulla, a part of the brain that has been linked to sleep. Promotion of REM sleep was specific to GABAergic (inhibitory) neurons in the ventral medulla. Activation of glutamatergic (excitatory) neurons in the same area induced wakefulness, not REM sleep.
Source:
Control of REM sleep by ventral medulla GABAergic Neurons
Nature 526, 435–438 (15 October 2015) doi:10.1038/nature14979
In his latest book, neuroscientist David Linden explains the science of touch. He tells Fresh Air how pain protects, why fingertips are so sensitive and why you can’t read Braille with your genitals.
Our interview with David Linden is free on iTunes. But we didn’t talk just about his book. We dove into the newest research David and his lab are working on and the personal side of being a neuroscientist.
Episode 23 - Decaying Memories with Dr. Paul Frankland
On this episode of Brain Matters, Anthony talks about memory with Dr. Paul Frankland (Principal Investigator, Neurobiology Laboratory at The Hospital for Sick Children). How do the details of memories become lost forever? And why is it that your first memory falls so late in life?
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Brain Matters guest Wendy Suzuki teaches a course at NYU called “Exercise and the Brain.” Here she is leading her class!
When Dr. Nao Uchida studies Odor Coding in the Piriform Cortex, he trains rats to discern between two odors for a reward.
Brain Matters interviewed Nao about his work. Listen for free!
Dr. Kenneth Kosik from the University of California, Santa Barbara describes Alzheimer’s Disease. We talked with Kosik about his research and what steps he and his colleagues are taking to understand this disease.
The full documentary, “Filling the Blank” is on CNN’s website:
Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four
Episode 9 - Brains and Behavior in Nematodes with Dr. Shawn Lockery
Matt and Dr. Shawn Lockery met up to talk about Shawn’s work in C. Elegans, a worm that allows neuroscientists to study the link between the brain and behavior. They also got into a fascinating discussion about how science and art can come together.
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Catalyzing Behavioral Change - Marie-H. Monfils, University of Texas at Austin from Kavli Frontiers of Science on Vimeo.
Our very first guest, Dr. Marie Monfils from The University of Texas at Austin talks about erasing or reinterpreting fear memories.