Headshake
THE BRAIN IS HUNGRY FOR PEOPLE. Keeping in mind new experiences of isolation during the pandemic, recent research shows parallels between a socially-deprived brain craving people and a fasted brain craving food.
info_outline Bologna Hammer [Spinal Reflexes]Headshake
Here’s more involuntary neuroscience: spinal reflexes. They’re so involuntary, your brain doesn’t even know they happened.
info_outline Involuntary Gravy [Synesthesia]Headshake
The letter A is always red to some people. To others, the sound of a car horn might always smell like pie. Libby and Ruka sensually explore the rare but real condition of synesthesia.
info_outline Tay Zonday Bit My Finger [Déjà Vu]Headshake
Does it feel like you’ve heard this before? An episode on déjà vu. An episode on déjà vu.
info_outline The Full Pamph [Action Potentials]Headshake
Returning to the land of electrophysiology, Lord Nathan and Lady Kristen focus this time on action potentials, which neurons use to send electrical signals long distances in the body. God save the Baked Bean!
info_outline My Friend Spikey [Phineas Gage]Headshake
In 1848, Phineas Gage survived an unfortunate railroad accident that later informed science and medicine’s understanding of how the prefrontal cortex works. Supporting character: Spikey the tamping iron
info_outline Happy Trails [Seasonal Affective Disorder]Headshake
It’s Headshake’s anniversary, and the finale of the Gap Junction Almanac. We hope you’ve had the “Time of Your Life,” and we’ll still be “Friends Forever.” Let’s cheer ourselves up with a discussion of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
info_outline Paula Abducens [Nerves]Headshake
“Nerves?” This is a neuroscience podcast. Haven’t we been talking about nerves the whole time??? Nope! Learn why.
info_outline The Poopisode [Brain and Gut]Headshake
There are two kilograms (4.4 pounds) of microbes in your gut. Are these little residents controlling your brain? If so, how? Poop Detectives Libby and Ruka are on the case.
info_outline Ear Hair [Audition, Part 2]Headshake
Hair cells in your inner ear and piano keys in your brain. This is our second episode on the sense of hearing. Libby and Ruka wrap up the year with thicker-than-usual Wisconsin accents. Happy birthday to Libby, and Happy New Year!
info_outlineLibby and Ruka learn about the strange but harmless experience of being awake and not being able to move. This episode is brought to you by the letter P and delicious chocolate frosted Kooky Monkey Brains: “They’re mentally delicious.”
Key Words
atonia, brain stem, general anxiety disorder, glycine, hallucinate, interneurons, jet lag, medulla, midbrain, narcolepsy, non-rem, panic disorder, pons, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), rapid eye movement (REM), REM-off, REM-on, shift work, sleep offset paralysis, sleep onset paralysis, sleep paralysis, sleep phase, spinal cord
Old West Word of the Day (Gap Junction Almanac)
Piece of pudding
Pecker pole
References and Resources
- Sleep Paralysis and the Monsters Inside Your Mind, Scientific American
- Principles of Neural Science, Kandel, Schwartz, and Jessell, 4th Edition
- Sleep Paralysis, NHS
Connect with us!
‘Sta @HeadshakeNinja
Site headshake.show OR headshake.ninja
Music
Bushwick Tarantella by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300002
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Modified from original with volume fading and cuts
Disclaimer
This podcast is for entertainment and education only. Neither of the hosts is a medical doctor, and nothing they say is medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making decisions about your health.