Episode 35 - Contextualizing Fear with Dr. Michael Fanselow

On this episode of Brain Matters, Anthony interviewed Dr. Michael Fanselow (Distinguished Professor, Psychology, UCLA). They talked about Michael’s contributions to our understanding of fear memories and how the context of an event can impact learning.

The music featured in this episode is by Steve Beres. Check out The Steve Martin Album.

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Episode 34 - Rich Perspectives with Dr. Rick Aldrich

Dr. Rick Aldrich (Professor, University of Texas at Austin) is a man who wears many hats - biophysicist, neuroscientist, molecular biologist, structural biologist. Throughout his career, he has contributed extensively to our understanding of mechanisms of ion channel function. Matt spoke to Dr. Aldrich about his diverse interests inside and outside the lab.

Music on today’s episode by Ballister

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Episode 33 - Motion Perception with Dr. Alex Huk

On this episode of Brain Matters, Anthony and Dr. Alex Huk (Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin) talk about how our brains process vision and motion.

Music from today’s episode is by Foreign Language: http://foreignlanguageband.bandcamp.com

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Episode 32 - Translational Control in Neurons with Dr. Eric Klann

Creating new proteins is necessary for neurons to change the strength of their connections with each other. This process, known as translation, is controlled by a complex system of molecules and signlaing pathways. Anthony spoke with Dr. Eric Klann (Professor, New York University) about how understanding the minutiae of translational control in neurons can help us understand learning and memory, as well as developing potential therapeutics for cognitive disorders.

Music on today’s episode by Golden Living Room

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Episode 31 - Trial and Error Learning with Dr. Yael Niv

When we make a decision, we draw from our past experiences to guide our actions, but we are also willing to modify our behavior if we fail to predict the correct outcome. Anthony spoke with Dr. Yael Niv (Associate Professor, Princeton University) about this kind of trial and error learning, and how the brain learns how to learn.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Audible. For a free audiobook of your choice, Click Here.

Music on today’s episode by death’s dynamic shroud.wmv and 2 8 1 4

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Episode 30 - Molecular Manipulation of Mood with Dr. René Hen

On this episode of Brain Matters, Anthony and Dr. René Hen (Professor, Columbia University) talk about how mood and anxiety is regulated by serotonin and adult neurogenesis, and how Dr. Hen’s molecular tools have helped us understand how emotions are processed.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible.com. For a free audiobook, go to audiblepodcast.com/brainmatters

Music on today’s episode by Roulet, Revolution Void, and  2 8 1 4 

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Episode 29 - Pain and Placebo Effect with Dr. Tor Wager

How can we use our thoughts to regulate our emotional responses? On this episode of Brain Matters, Anthony and Dr. Tor Wager (Associate Professor, University of Colorado at Boulder) discuss how our mental states and context can influence the perception of pain.

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Episode 28 - Animal Models of Alzheimer’s with Dr. Joanna Jankowsky

Alzheimer’s disease has been a difficult disease to find treatment for. On this episode of Brain Matters, Matt and Dr. Joanna Jankowsky (Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine) talk about how to model Alzheimer’s disease in mice to research the progression and treatment options for the disease.

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Episode 27 - Memory, the Cerebellum, and Axons with Dr. David Linden

Anthony and Dr. David Linden (Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) talked this week about David’s neuroscience research and how he gets inspiration in and out of lab. Anthony also asked David about his journey to becoming a successful scientist and best-selling author.

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Episode 26 - Discovering Circuits with Dr. Massimo Scanzinai

On this episode of Brain Matters, Anthony talked with Dr. Massimo Scanziani (Professor, UC San Diego; HHMI Investigator) not just about his contributions to neuroscience, but about his journey as a scientist, a student, and a mentor. Massimo’s history is fascinating and motivating.

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