Episode 39 - The Resting Brain with Dr. Gagan Wig
On this episode of Brain Matters, Matt talked with Dr. Gagan Wig (Assistant Professor of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas) about his research on brain networks. Gagan studies the brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging or fMRI and investigates a multitude of interesting questions about the human brain.
Music from today’s episode by Moe Meguro
Listen and subscribe on iTunes
Dr. Argye Hillis, a professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University, uses transcranial direct current stimulation to help her patients recover after stroke. Brain Matters interviewed her about her research.
Episode 38 - Stroke and Aphasia with Dr. Argye Hillis
Anthony and Dr. Argye Hillis (Professor of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University) talk about a medical perspective on neuroscience research. Argye’s research focuses on understanding how language and emotional functions recover after stroke.
Music on today’s episode by Jade Statues and Remember
Listen and Subscribe on iTunes.
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
Episode 37 - Sleep Circuits with Dr. Yang Dan
On This episode of Brain Matters, Anthony talked with Dr. Yang Dan (Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and Professor of Neurobiology, UC Berkeley). Yang studies the circuits in the brain that control sleep. Perk up your cochlea and jump into this great conversation.
Music on today’s episode by PERSONA LA AVE, death’s dynamic shroud.wmv, and HKE
Listen and Subscribe on iTunes.
When Brain Matters interviewed Dr. David Fitzpatrick from the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, they talked all about how the visual cortex functions. Watch David’s postdoctoral fellow (and Brain Matters listener) Dr. Ben Scholl talk all about the fascinating research in the Fitzpatrick Lab.
Episode 36 - Cortical Columns with Dr. David Fitzpatrick
On this episode of Brain Matters, Matt and Dr. David Fitzpatrick (Chief Executive Officer & Scientific Director, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience) chat about the cortex. They talked about the visual system and David’s research on his friend the column.
Music on today’s episode by death’s dynamic shroud.wmv and HKE
Listen and Subscribe on iTunes.
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.
Thanks to Audible for supporting our podcast. Get a free 30 day trial at audiblepodcast.com/brainmatters
Listen and Subscribe on iTunes.
Brain Matters host Anthony Lacagnina was featured on WBEZ Chicago’s Morning Shift. He answered questions from host Tony Sarabia and callers live on the air. Take a listen. And let us know- what are you afraid of?
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
Listen and Subscribe on iTunes.
