Brain Ponderings podcast with Mark Mattson
Conversations with neuroscientists, neurologists, evolutionary biologists, anthropologists, computer scientists, and others that ponder the brain. Here are a few of the questions that BRAIN PONDERINGS will tackle: How have brains evolved to enable success in diverse environments? How does the brain develop in the womb and in early life? What are the mechanisms responsible for learning and memory, language, and emotions? How does the brain respond to life’s challenges? In what ways does the brain influence the body and vice-versa? What is known about the causes of psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and other brain disorders? What new technologies are being developed to treat neurological disorders? How do naturally occurring and man-made chemicals affect the brain? How can gene therapy, cell regeneration, and brain stimulation be used for brain disorders? What are the boundaries between ethical and unethical neuroscience research?
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Georgia Hodes: Sex Differences in Responses to Stress and Vulnerability to Neurological Disorders
09/11/2025
Georgia Hodes: Sex Differences in Responses to Stress and Vulnerability to Neurological Disorders
Chronic uncontrolled stress is a risk factor for many different diseases including mental and neurodegenerative disorders. The effects of such stress on the brain differ considerably between females and males. However, the vast majority of preclinical studies in animal models have included only males which in some cases has resulted in therapeutic interventions that are less effective in females compared to males. In this episode Georgia Hodes talks about sex differences in the effects of stress on the brain and neuroendocrine systems and how these differences can influence disease processes and treatments. LINKS Prof. Hodes webpage at VT: https://neuroscience.vt.edu/our-people/research-faculty/hodes-georgia.html Review articles: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10845083/pdf/CN-22-475.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10189838/pdf/nihms-1896436.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8630768/pdf/nihms-1528739.pdf
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Marian Joëls and Ron de Kloet: How the Brain Responds to Stress in Health and Mental Disorders
09/01/2025
Marian Joëls and Ron de Kloet: How the Brain Responds to Stress in Health and Mental Disorders
In stressful situations the brain communicates with the adrenal glands stimulating them to release adrenaline and cortisol. This stress responsive neuroendocrine system plays important adaptive roles by regulating energy metabolism, attention, and learning and memory. However, without a recovery period chronic uncontrolled stress such as psychosocial stress can damage neural circuits in the brain and contribute to a range of mental disorders as well as Alzheimer’s disease. In this episode I have the pleasure of talking with two pioneers in the field of stress research – Professors Marian Joëls and Ron de Kloet. Their work which spans five decades has shown how two different cortisol receptors determine how the brain responds to physiological and pathological stress. They have revealed how a “cortisol switch” determines brain vulnerability or resilience. Links Marian Joëls’ webpage: https://www.rug.nl/staff/m.joels/cv Ron de Kloet publications on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Eao7yZIAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao The “Cortisol Switch” file:///Users/markmattson/Downloads/s41380-022-01934-8.pdf https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091302218300116?via%3Dihub
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Josh Helman: Multipronged Approaches for Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Dementia
08/19/2025
Josh Helman: Multipronged Approaches for Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Dementia
Clearly demonstrated as being effective for cardiovascular disease, lifestyle medicine is becoming an important discipline for the prevention and treatment of age-related brain disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In this episode I talk with Dr. Josh Helman about his experience working with patients at lifestyle medicine centers. He provides his views on what people can do now to reduce their risk for these brain disorders, and what the future holds in terms of therapeutic interventions. LINKS Dr. Helman’s webpage: https://drjosh.com/ Lifestyle medicine approach: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10907160/pdf/main.pdf
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Grace (Beth) Stutzmann: Pivotal Role for Calcium in Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease
08/14/2025
Grace (Beth) Stutzmann: Pivotal Role for Calcium in Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease
The calcium ion controls neuronal network activity, synapse function and synaptic plasticity, and is a fundamental mediator of learning and memory. With aging and much more so in Alzheimer’s disease the ability of neurons to properly regulate their intracellular calcium levels becomes compromised. Evidence from human and laboratory animal studies have provided compelling evidence that excessive elevation of calcium levels in neurons results in their dysfunction and degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease, as well as in Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. In this episode, I talk with Professor Beth Stutzmann about her research which has advanced an understanding about how calcium regulation becomes disrupted in neurons in Alzheimer’s disease. Her findings point to excessive release of calcium from intracellular pools (in the endoplasmic reticulum) as being particularly important in Alzheimer’s. This research points to new therapeutic interventions for this devastating disease. LINKS Stutzmann laboratory: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/faculty/grace-e-stutzmann/ Relevant articles: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7763805/pdf/cells-09-02655.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9894236/pdf/pnas.202211999.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12305934/pdf/40478_2025_Article_2023.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3091392/pdf/nihms288394.pdf
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Andrew Dillin – Stress and Aging: Mitochondria are Hubs of Information Flow in and Between Cells
08/05/2025
Andrew Dillin – Stress and Aging: Mitochondria are Hubs of Information Flow in and Between Cells
Long believed to function only as the cell’s powerhouse research is revealing that mitochondria actively control a cell’s response to various types of stress. Even more amazingly mitochondria send stress-related signals between cells. In this episode UC Berkeley Professor Andy Dillin has made major advances in understanding basic mechanisms of aging, how cells and animals respond to stress, and how the aging process can be influenced by mitochondrial responses to stress. In this episode I talk with Andy about his work and its implications for optimizing health and longevity. LINKS Dillin Laboratory: https://mcb.berkeley.edu/labs/dillin/ Publications https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10399134/pdf/load001.pdf https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32449292/ https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1097-2765%2817%2930395-7 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10575585/pdf/sciadv.adi1411.pdf
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Marc Freeman – How Astrocytes Control Neural Circuits in Brain Development, Plasticity, and Disease
07/29/2025
Marc Freeman – How Astrocytes Control Neural Circuits in Brain Development, Plasticity, and Disease
While neurons and the circuits the form have been the major focus of brain research the human brain contains at least as many cells that are not neurons of which astrocytes are by far the most abundant. During the past decade there have been numerous studies that reveal novel and very active roles for astrocytes in regulating the growth of neurons, the formation and modification of synapses, the activities of neural networks, and behaviors in laboratory animals. In this episode Marc Freeman talks about the fascinating world of astrocytes including their diversity, complex morphologies, and roles in neuroplasticity and disease processes. LINKS: Marc Freeman’s webpage at the Vollum Institute: https://www.ohsu.edu/vollum-institute/marc-freeman-phd Articles discussed in this podcast: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11513168/pdf/nihms-2030570.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7897322/pdf/nihms-1657553.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5161596/pdf/nihms-822004.pdf https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39386551/
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Polina Shichkova: Metabolic and Biophysical Modeling of Breakdown and Repair of the Aging Brain
07/22/2025
Polina Shichkova: Metabolic and Biophysical Modeling of Breakdown and Repair of the Aging Brain
Because neurons in the brain are electrically excitable and active 24/7 the brain consumes relatively large amounts of energy and must adapt to varying demands on its neural networks. The cellular and molecular complexity of the brain presents a major challenge for understanding not only its second-by-second function but also how neural networks are affected by aging and disease. In this episode Dr. Polina Schichkova talks about how large datasets on cellular energy metabolism gene expression are being used to elucidate how aging affects the brain as a whole. Her findings from analyses of data from brains of young adults and elder humans show that aging results in reduced flexibility of the brain’s bioenergetics and electrical activity. Computer modeling reveals how the brain is altered during aging as well as potential interventions to counteract age-related processes. LINKS Breakdown and repair of metabolism in the aging brain: file:///Users/markmattson/Downloads/fsci-3-1441297%20(2).pdf Multiscale electro-metabolic model of the brain: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12112163/pdf/pcbi.1013070.pdf Online modeling: https://www.openbraininstitute.org/jupyterhub_metabolism/user/[email protected]/lab/tree/obi_platform_analysis_notebooks/Metabolism/analysis_notebook.ipynb
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Corinde Wiers: The Potential of Ketone-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Addiction
07/15/2025
Corinde Wiers: The Potential of Ketone-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Addiction
Research on substance use disorders has largely focused on understanding the key neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems that are altered, and on behavioral and pharmacological interventions. However, emerging research findings suggest that alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with alterations in energy metabolism and can accelerate brain aging. In this episode I talk with Dr. Corinde Wiers about substance use disorders with a focus on her recent clinical trials which show that ketone (b-hydroxybutyrate) supplementation can reduce craving for alcohol in people with AUD and can reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms. We discuss the potential mechanisms that may explain the efficacy of ketone supplementation – and interventions that elevate endogenous ketone production (fasting, exercise, and ketogenic diets) – in AUD. Whether or not ketogenic interventions are beneficial for individuals with other addictions (opioids, cocaine, nicotine, gambling..) remains to be determined. LINKS: Dr. Wiers webpage at the University of Pennsylvania: https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g332/p9389303 Dr. Wiers’ publications discussed in this podcast: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8034849/pdf/abf6780.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8670944/pdf/fpsyt-12-781668.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10901540/pdf/pyae009.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10895037/pdf/fnut-11-1254341.pdf
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Henning Fenselau – Neural Circuits Controlling Appetite and Energy Metabolism and GLP-1 Actions
07/07/2025
Henning Fenselau – Neural Circuits Controlling Appetite and Energy Metabolism and GLP-1 Actions
Appetite (hunger and satiety) is controlled by neural circuits in the brain – particularly in the hypothalamus – and their reciprocal connections to peripheral organs involved in energy metabolism (gut and liver). Understanding the structural organization of these circuits (their synaptic connections) and their neurochemistry (particularly which neurotransmitters are used at which synapses) is of fundamental importance for human health and developing new treatments for metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Neuroscientist Henning Fenselau at the Max Planck Institute and University of Cologne Germany has made several major discoveries about how food intake and energy metabolism are regulated and the consequences of abnormalities in the underlying neural circuits. Among his recent findings concern how GLP-1 in the gut communicates with the brain via the vagus nerve, and the roles of specific synaptic signals (NPY, opioids, TRH, and GABA). LINKS Fenselau laboratory page: https://www.sf.mpg.de/research/fenselau GLP-1, the vagus nerve, hunger, and sugar metabolism: https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1550-4131%2821%2900219-9 Synaptic amplifier of hunger: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10160008/pdf/nihms-1882224.pdf Opioids and sugar appetite https://www-science-org.proxy1.library.jhu.edu/doi/epdf/10.1126/science.adp1510 Brainstem – amygdala circuit during fasting https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11211344/pdf/41467_2024_Article_49766.pdf
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Tessa Montague: Disappearing Act - How the Brain Controls Camouflage in Cuttlefish and Octopuses
07/01/2025
Tessa Montague: Disappearing Act - How the Brain Controls Camouflage in Cuttlefish and Octopuses
One of the most remarkable feats of biological ‘wizardry’ in the animal kingdom is the ability of some cephalopods (octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish) to rapidly change the color, patterning, and texture of their skin so as to blend in with their background. They accomplish these feats through the linking of neural circuits in the visual system and brain to muscle cells that control the dispersion of pigment in specialized skin cells called chromatophores. But the details of the neural circuitry and the computational processes that control the camouflaging process remain largely unknown. In this episode Columbia University neuroscientist Tessa Montague talks about her research on the neurobiology of camouflage and the many challenges that must be overcome to better understand this remarkable phenomenon. LINKS Dr. Montague’s cuttlefish lab webpage: Tessamontague.com Links to camouflaging cephalopods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XocHDvHlcJM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojb1pxcSr5E Articles on the neurobiology of camouflage https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0960-9822%2823%2901182-X https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959438824000382?via%3Dihub https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0960-9822%2823%2900757-1
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Jonathan Long: Lactate-Phe and Ketone-Phe: Exerkines and Fastokines for Brain Health and Plasticity?
06/24/2025
Jonathan Long: Lactate-Phe and Ketone-Phe: Exerkines and Fastokines for Brain Health and Plasticity?
During vigorous exercise lactic acid (lactate) levels increase in the blood and during fasting and extended exercise the levels of the ketone BHB (b-hydroxybutyrate) increase. In this episode I talk with Stanford University professor Jonathan Long about his recent discovery that lactate and BHB in the blood are bound to the amino acid phenylalanine and that they (Lac-Phe and BHB-Phe) have beneficial effects on metabolic and brain health. Lac-Phe levels increase markedly in response to exercise in mice, humans, and race horses. Peripheral administration of Lac-Phe in suppresses food intake and reverses diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice. Genetic ablation of Lac-Phe biosynthesis causes hyperphagy and obesity even in exercising mice showing a critical role for Lac-Phe in the beneficial effects of exercise. BHB-Phe has similar effects on food intake and metabolic health. We talk about the potential benefits of Lac-Phe and BHB-Phe for brain health and resilience. LINKS The Long laboratory webpage: https://longlabstanford.org/ Lac-Phe articles: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9767481/pdf/nihms-1852727.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10635077/pdf/nihpp-2023.11.02.565321v1.pdf BHB-Phe article: https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0092-8674%2824%2901214-5
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Carlos Matute: Brain White Matter in Health, Endurance Exercise, and Disease
06/17/2025
Carlos Matute: Brain White Matter in Health, Endurance Exercise, and Disease
White matter consists of bundles of long axons that convey information between neural circuits between different brain regions within and between brain hemispheres. These long axons are wrapped with many layers of lipid-rich membranes of oligodendrocytes (a type of glial cell) and it is this ‘insulation’ that enables rapid propagation of signals over long distances. The axons in white matter consume high amounts of energy and their energy demand increases during extended physical exercise. In this episode Professor Carlos Matute talks about his interesting journey to become a neuroscientist and his fascinating discoveries concerning the function and dysfunction of oligodendrocyte neurobiology. He and his team recently provided evidence that the lipids in myelin are consumed by neurons in marathon runners during the event and then are replenished during their recovery. We also talk about how oligodendrocytes and axons in white matter are damaged by traumatic brain injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. LINKS About Carlos Matute https://www.achucarro.org/director/carlos-matute/ White matter and marathon running https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12021653/pdf/42255_2025_Article_1244.pdf Review articles https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10454078/pdf/ijms-24-12912.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4493393/pdf/fnana-09-00092.pdf
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Michael Kreutz: Amazing Nanomachines in Synapses that Keep Brains Healthy and Wise
06/10/2025
Michael Kreutz: Amazing Nanomachines in Synapses that Keep Brains Healthy and Wise
Michael Kreutz is Head of the Neuroplasticity Research Group at the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology in Magdeburg Germany. Using powerful high resolution microscopy and molecular biology tools his laboratory has shown that autophagy occurs within synapses. Synaptic autophagy is stimulated by neural network activity and is critical for their maintenance and for learning and memory. Moreover, evidence suggests that conventional autophagy and exocytic autophagy prevent the abnormal accumulation of pathogenic proteins (Tau, TDP43, etc.) in neurodegenerative disorders. Pharmacological and lifestyle interventions that bolster synaptic autophagy may promote brain health and disease resistance. LINKS Kreutz Laboratory: https://www.kreutzlab.com/ Review article on autophagy and synaptic plasticity https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0896-6273%2825%2900045-5 Activity-dependent protein expulsion in dendrites https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2211-1247%2823%2901009-4 Golgi satellites in dendrites, NCAM, and LTP https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2211-1247%2823%2900703-9
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Jordan Grafman: Neural Circuits of Religiosity: ‘The Kingdom of God’ is in the Prefrontal Cortex
06/03/2025
Jordan Grafman: Neural Circuits of Religiosity: ‘The Kingdom of God’ is in the Prefrontal Cortex
Belief in supernatural agents and other religious myths arose as a means of ‘explaining’ the unknown and as a tool for social cohesion and hierarchical control of civilizations. Their religiosity is major feature of a ‘believers’ self identity as well as their group identity. Compelling evidence from multiple types of studies have revealed the neurobiological foundations of beliefs in imaginary deities, an afterlife, and other religious myths. In this episode neuropsychologist Jordan Grafman talks about his research and related research showing that neural circuits in the prefrontal cortex convey religious beliefs much as they convey other beliefs (political, economic, etc.). Particularly fascinating are the results of brain imaging studies of mental imagery (e.g., ‘communicating’ with God), religious fundamentalism, and studies of Vietnam veterans who suffered penetrating brain injuries that dramatically affected their religiosity. These studies confirm and extend previous brain imaging studies by showing that spirituality maps to a brain circuit in the periaqueductal grey similar to lesions that cause delusions. LINKS Review articles https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9583670/pdf/fnbeh-16-977600.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11638176/pdf/fnhum-18-1495565.pdf Functional brain imaging and religious experiences https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2660736/pdf/zpq4876.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3929007/pdf/brain.2013.0172.pdf Brain lesions and religiosity https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6197485/pdf/nihms958660.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8714871/pdf/nihms-1735983.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11388357/pdf/pnas.202322399.pdf
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Sridevi Sarma: Using DSM and Neuro-engineering to Diagnose and Treat Neurological Disorders
05/29/2025
Sridevi Sarma: Using DSM and Neuro-engineering to Diagnose and Treat Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders involve aberrant neural network activity. New technologies are needed for establishing at a fine spatial and temporal resolution the nature of the altered network activity – and for restoring activity to or towards a healthy state. Professor Sri Sarma is an electrical engineer and neuroscientist who is at the forefront of this research field. Her research combines learning theory and control systems with neuroscience to develop novel approaches for understanding normal brain function and then developing brain – computer – electrophysiology feedback control systems to improve performance in health and disease. Her research and technology development is advancing personalized treatments for epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, and depression. LINKS Seizure onset zone neural fragility in epilepsy https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8547387/pdf/nihms-1743906.pdf Combining interictal intracranial EEG and fMRI to compute a dynamic resting-state index for surgical outcome validation https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11811083/pdf/fnetp-04-1491967.pdf] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10081946/pdf/nihms-1855381.pdf Internal states during movements https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10687170/pdf/41467_2023_Article_43257.pdf Sensory – motor feedback control (athletic performance) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10998569/pdf/pnas.202319313.pdf Gambling and decision making https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11352602/pdf/brainsci-14-00773.pdf
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Richard Johnson: How High Fructose Intake Induces Obesity and Chronic Diseases of the Body and Brain
05/20/2025
Richard Johnson: How High Fructose Intake Induces Obesity and Chronic Diseases of the Body and Brain
Compelling evidence shows that consumption of high fructose corn syrup in soft drinks and ultraprocessed foods has contributed to the increases in obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and dementia that has occurred during the past 50 years. Professor Richard Johnson’s research has been at the forefront of establishing how fructose adversely affects cellular energetics and function, and what happens to various organ systems with chronic consumption of fructose. Interestingly, cells can convert to glucose to fructose under certain conditions suggesting a roles for endogenously produced fructose in adverse effects of high glucose intake on health. Animal studies have shown that high fructose intake impairs cognition, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. Fructose is also stimulates hunger and food-seeking behaviors resulting in overeating. Evidence further suggests that high fructose during pregnancy can cause abnormal fetal brain development and increase the risk for developmental brain disorders – most notably autism. LINKS Reviews Fructose and obesity https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10363705/pdf/rstb.2022.0230.pdf Fructose and uric acid https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3781481/pdf/3307.pdf Fructose and neuroplasticity https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12037248/pdf/JNME2025-5571686.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2694409/pdf/nihms72749.pdf Fructose and autism https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6779523/pdf/nihms-1537205.pdf
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Brian Kennedy: Decoding Metabolic Aging Clocks to Understand and Counteract Aging
05/13/2025
Brian Kennedy: Decoding Metabolic Aging Clocks to Understand and Counteract Aging
Major progress has recently been made in understanding the aging process at the molecular, cellular, and organ system levels. This knowledge is now being applied in preventative and interventional health care. Moreover, because of the severe burden of age-related diseases on societies governments are increasingly developing strategies to extend health span throughout their populations. In this episode Professor Brian Kennedy at the National University of Singapore provides a broad perspective on the field of aging research and its translation into actionable countermeasures. He talks about emerging research on ‘metabolic aging clocks’ and their applications to personalized anti-aging strategies. His experiences in Singapore are particularly enlightening. LINKS Professor Kennedy’s NUS profile: https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/bch/faculty/brian-kennedy/ Related articles: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163724004355?via%3Dihub https://www-sciencedirect-com.proxy1.library.jhu.edu/science/article/pii/S1550413124004534 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11330810/pdf/fnagi-16-1428244.pdf https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40250404/
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Anton Maximov – The Synaptic Signatures of a Memory: Zooming in Using Cutting-Edge Technology
05/06/2025
Anton Maximov – The Synaptic Signatures of a Memory: Zooming in Using Cutting-Edge Technology
Remarkable progress has been made towards understanding of the molecular control of neurotransmitter release from presynaptic axon terminals and the responses of the postsynaptic neuron by neurotransmitters. We know that synaptic activity is required for learning and memory but the structural basis of a memory (an engram) remains unknown. Anton Maximov has made major contributions to understanding the molecular control of synaptic plasticity associated with learning and memory. Here he talks about his research career journey which began in St. Petersburg Russia followed by postdoc training in Dallas Texas and then to the Scripps Research Institute where he is currently a professor and chair of the Neuroscience Department. He and his team and collaborators recently published an elegant technologically-demanding study in Science in which nanoscale resolution ultrastructural analyses was combined with molecular tagging of neurons encoding a memory revealing an increase in synaptic complexity with intriguing presynaptic structural remodeling. LINKS Anton Maximov Lab page: https://www.maximovlab.org/ Science article https://www-science-org.proxy1.library.jhu.edu/doi/epdf/10.1126/science.ado8316 Structural diversity of chemical synapses: https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2211-1247%2821%2900267-9 Experience dependent neuron remodeling https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0896-6273%2814%2900800-9
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Allan Butterfield: Cell Membrane Lipid Peroxidation and Neuron Degeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease
04/29/2025
Allan Butterfield: Cell Membrane Lipid Peroxidation and Neuron Degeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease
The outer membrane of cells is comprised of a lipid bilayer consisting of phospholipids, cholesterol, arachidonic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and others. Embedded in the membrane are various proteins that play roles critical to the survival and function of the cell. Examples of membrane proteins of particular importance for neurons are: ion channels and ion ‘pumps which control neuron excitability; glucose and ketone transporters which are critical for energy metabolism, and receptors for a myriad of neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and other inter-cellular signaling molecules. In this episode chemistry Professor Allan Butterfield talks about research showing a pivotal role for free radicals generated by the Alzheimer’s amyloid-peptide in triggering a chain reaction attack on membrane arachidonic acid resulting in the release of a toxic lipid fragment called 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). HNE can bind irreversibly to certain amino acids on proteins (lysine, cysteine, histidine) thereby compromising the normal function of the protein. The Butterfield lab and my lab showed that binding of HNE to ion pump proteins, glucose transporters, and glutamate transporters renders neurons vulnerable to excitotoxicity in Alzheimer’s disease. Interventions that suppress membrane lipid peroxidation or detoxify HNE may prevent or ameliorate Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. LINKS Professor Butterfield’s webpage: https://chem.as.uky.edu/users/dabcns Review articles https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00030.2022 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7502429/pdf/nihms-1583713.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7085980/pdf/nihms-1566301.pdf
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Francesco Papaleo: Inter-brain Synchrony and Co-modulation of Neural Networks in Social Interactions
04/22/2025
Francesco Papaleo: Inter-brain Synchrony and Co-modulation of Neural Networks in Social Interactions
A fascinating feature of interactions between two people is that neural network activity patterns in their brain can become synchronized. In this episode Francesco Papaleo talks about research studies in which activities of neuronal networks are recorded simultaneously in interacting humans or mice. His work has recently focused on the role of interbrain synchronization in the prefrontal cortex in emotion recognition and empathy. He summarizes this research and its implications as follows: Interacting brains operate as an integrated system, with neural dynamics coevolving over time. Neuronal synchronization across brains has been observed in a range of species, including humans, monkeys, bats, and mice. This inter-neural synchrony (INS) has been proposed as a potential mechanism facilitating social interaction by enabling the functional integration of multiple brains.. Individual responses, such as emotion processing or decision-making, are adjusted and updated based on information that is continuously exchanged among the interacting partners LINKS Dr. Papaleo’s webpage at the Italian Institute of Technology https://www.iit.it/people-details/-/people/francesco-papaleo Review article on multi-brain dynamics https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763424004342?via%3Dihub Self-experience of another’s stress https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01816-y Cortical – cortical transfer during social interactions https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01647-x Prosocial vs selfish behaviors https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-022-01179-2
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Thiruma Arumugam – Vascular Dementia Mechanisms, Risks, and Prevention
04/15/2025
Thiruma Arumugam – Vascular Dementia Mechanisms, Risks, and Prevention
Neural networks in the brain are active 24/7 and so require a continuous supply of nutrients via the cerebral blood vessels. As we age the cerebral vascular system can become compromised resulting in damage to neurons and a consequent impairment of cognition. Cerebrovascular dementia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly but can also occur in younger people as a consequence of genetic mutations. In this episode professor Thiruma Arumugam of LaTrobe University talk about the causes and consequences of cerebral small vessel disease. The good news is that there are several different measures people can take to reduce their risk for cerebrovascular dementia. LINKS Vascular dementia reviews https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163724000965?via%3Dihub https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6420146/pdf/emss-81050.pdf Biomarkers of vascular dementia https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163724000655?via%3Dihub Intermittent fasting and vascular dementia https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11224924/pdf/jomes-33-2-92.pdf
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William Brady: MADness: Understanding and Counteracting Social Discord and Moral Contagion
04/08/2025
William Brady: MADness: Understanding and Counteracting Social Discord and Moral Contagion
William Brady deploys behavioral experiments, big data analytics, and natural language processing to elucidate how human psychology interacts with social media technology to affect morality, emotions, and decision-making. Until very recently in their evolution any one human interacted with no more than a few dozen others during their lifetime. Moreover, those interactions were face-to-face. By its very nature social media is often subjecting our brains to situations for which they are not evolved to deal with properly. Politicians, large corporations, and ‘influencers’ with agendas are taking advantage of several features of social media to benefit themselves and their in-group (political party, religion, ethnicity, and more) at the expense of large swaths of society. Content intended to trigger outrage is a particularly prominent tool in their social media toolbox. In this episode Dr. Brady talks about his research on the spread of moralized content (moral contagion) on social media and how it muffles critical thinking and thoughtful conversations and cooperation amongst individuals with different perspectives on issues. This is big problem for which solutions are not easy given that algorithms are purposely designed in ways that amplify moralized content because this increases the profits and power of those who peddle the outrage, fear, and outgroup hostility and schadenfreude.LINKS Brady lab page: https://williamjbrady.com/ Relevant published articles: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=brady+wj+social+media&sort=date&size=200
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Dietary Phytochemicals and Mycochemicals, Neuroplasticity, and Neuroprotection
03/27/2025
Dietary Phytochemicals and Mycochemicals, Neuroplasticity, and Neuroprotection
In this episode I provide an overview of the evidence that certain chemicals produced by plants and fungi are beneficial for brain function and health. I focus on the fact that the function of these phytochemicals or mycochemicals in the plants or mushrooms is to defend them from being consumed by insects and other animals. We and other animals evolved mechanisms to tolerate the noxious chemicals. We avoid too much of them because they have a bitter taste, and our cells respond to the chemicals by activating adaptive stress responses (antioxidant enzymes, protein chaperones, neurotrophic factors, etc). By these hormesis-based mechanism way plant-based diets enhance brain resilience and counteract aging and disease processes. LINKS Articles on dietary phytochemicals and brain health https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4081729/pdf/pr.113.007757.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5841445/pdf/nihms946635.pdf https://www-sciencedirect-com.proxy1.library.jhu.edu/science/article/pii/S0166223606002001 Review article on mycochemicals https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10647524/pdf/ijms-24-15596.pdf Evolutionary perspectives https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4586293/pdf/nihms678801.pdf https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1087184523000439?via%3Dihub Recent Nature Medicine study https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03570-5
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Dietmar Schmitz: Interneuron Diversity and Circuit Mechanisms of Brain Rhythms in Memory and Recall
03/18/2025
Dietmar Schmitz: Interneuron Diversity and Circuit Mechanisms of Brain Rhythms in Memory and Recall
The vast majority of research on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the storage and retrieval of memories has focused on the excitatory glutamatergic neurons that convey signals into and throughout the brain. However, recent research has revealed the importance of widespread oscillations in neural network activity (particularly gamma and theta frequencies) in cognition. In this episode Professor Dietmar Schmitz talks about features of short- and long-range neural connectivity and their roles in cognition with a focus on inhibitory GABAergic interneurons. Different subtypes of GABAergic neurons have different molecular signatures, shapes, electrophysiological properties, and connectivity patterns. These different GABAergic neurons serve specific functions in memory, and information processing. LINKS: Schmitz lab page: https://schmitz.neurocure.de/ GABAergic interneurons and memory: https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0896-6273%2823%2900475-0 microcircuits and spatial coding: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/epdf/10.1152/physrev.00042.2020 hippocampal CA3 module: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10861929/pdf/pnas.202312281.pdf
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Dudley Lamming: mTOR – How Dietary Protein and Amino Acids Affect Aging and Disease Processes
03/11/2025
Dudley Lamming: mTOR – How Dietary Protein and Amino Acids Affect Aging and Disease Processes
Research has shown that excessive dietary protein intake and high amounts of branch-chain amino acids (BCAA) in particular can accelerate aging and exacerbate chronic diseases of aging. In this episode University of Wisconsin Assoc. Professor Dudley Lamming talks about the cellular amino acid sensing mTOR pathway and its influences on aging and disease processes. The Lamming laboratory is making major contributions to establishing how amino acid intake affects cells and organ systems in health and disease. This research has important implications for optimizing health throughout the lifespan. LINKS Lamming lab webpage: https://lamminglab.medicine.wisc.edu/ Review article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9197406/pdf/ACEL-21-e13626.pdf Protein restriction in Alzheimer’s mouse model: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11189507/pdf/41467_2024_Article_49589.pdf BCAA restriction, aging, and lifespan: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10655617/pdf/nihms-1939504.pdf
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Roshan Cools: Dopamine’s Roles in Cognitive Control, Motivation, Decision-Making, ADHD, and PD
03/06/2025
Roshan Cools: Dopamine’s Roles in Cognitive Control, Motivation, Decision-Making, ADHD, and PD
Dopamine is best known as a neurotransmitter involved in the experiencing of pleasure and reward, and for its role in addiction to drugs, gambling, food, etc. But dopamine is also very important in the brain’s ability to evaluate computational tradeoffs (cost versus benefit) and make decisions. In this episode Roshan Cools a Professor of cognitive neuropsychiatry at Radbout University in the Netherlands talks about how dopamine normally controls the neuronal circuits in the striatum and prefrontal cortex that regulate motivation and cognitive control. By combining PET imaging to measure relative dopamine release with various cognitive control tasks and administration of drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritilin) that affect dopamine signaling she found that every individual has their own dopamine ‘set point’. She talks about how dopaminergic drugs enhance cognitive control in ADHD patients but impair cognitive control in patients with Parkinson’s disease. We also talk about potential pharmacological and behavioral modifications to optimize cognitive control in healthy people. LINKS Professor Cools web page: https://www.roshancools.com/ Chemistry of the adaptive mind: https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0896-6273%2819%2930838-4 Dopamine’s role in making cost versus benefit decisions: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8282630/pdf/nihms-1697802.pdf
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Maryanne Garry: Misinformation, Disinformation, False Memories, AI, and Our Future
03/03/2025
Maryanne Garry: Misinformation, Disinformation, False Memories, AI, and Our Future
In this episode I talk with Professor Maryanne Garry at the University of Waikato New Zealand about several interrelated realms of human cognition that are fundamental to changes in the behaviors of individuals and social groups as influenced by electronic media and artificial intelligence. Dr. Garry has devoted her career to understanding how memories of one’s past experiences can be distorted, how false information can become engrained in one’s system of beliefs. She talks about individual and collective memories, and the brain’s source monitoring systems and how they are influenced by group identity, repetition of information (whether true or not). Interestingly although memories of untruths can be retracted when new information is provided they can still influence one’s decision-making. She also talks about how social media and AI (LLMs) influence the brain’s source monitoring systems and potential approaches to ameliorating their adverse effects on mental health and societal discord. LINKS Dr. Garry’s lab webpage: https://www.garrylab.com/ Collective and autobiographical memories: https://www-tandfonline-com.proxy1.library.jhu.edu/doi/epdf/10.1080/09658211.2022.2154804 Retracted memories: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9365748/pdf/13421_2022_Article_1328.pdf LLMs and the institutionalization of misinformation: https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/271877/1-s2.0-S1364661323X00138/1-s2.0-S1364661324002213/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEG4aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJGMEQCIA9kHgyXdZwhJDF2Nc6gQiDwWhuj%2F9fvysEcbyMKnaM8AiBEX6%2BAkbxOT%2FT%2FJCTkVCeOnibe%2Fin%2BeiHRN8auAjLO7yq8BQin%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAUaDDA1OTAwMzU0Njg2NSIMnDX%2Bz%2BiS%2BD9b8%2BsCKpAFlPWcxi2Nu4wg%2FlKU8mSVoZQPyiR6LQkJokbH6TlJvixjI04Sd92Kj5SSAHB8QvzpkbIuJoErUOjgSlkpGTlKK7kMqkMt2S%2FSmUyp5OzH5PlhGyxSi3Lpq%2Bdjol9vmiF9rXTEeHeRrHzUh48X4HajvARh9q6lC6v%2FCSx84dpolcD3kMlhYIEuYfJbVc%2Fm4k%2F9xtjX2NtA3BhLHFs8nzUuuDcNtLxZ3mi7SLbQz9oBGMdeJFd2bBjf%2ByCpjqUl%2Bs9ALlI75kYC1aDPdB2f84XWB78f9CKz%2FtNob%2FjKE9tMcwB3Dni8%2FtndhQRjybd74siNn2sApJu%2FXKwgKsqJEvKP8CDYYTgnSVrRAseqXSdLKoA63G91ZG9K7nOjODivQI%2BpzciLPlvzYVjpeEJ5LE3PC5VVYxCkOQKUtwDvUgXigGtfHsgazln3m8WMBxakhHXrKEWK7q%2FuxuLBle%2BD%2BK%2FdM1aw2JpS7hyllAgfZ4cuSBexwzQ%2B3OjGg4Fe2MBdTmpa0ZG9WT7B7KNo2FxoiKEZJupQ3z%2FaMOIBCMCqa0EvuMCQpIqZKS8zxngNpJeOVpTuWv%2BJ3EQjM3T6GL9hxNA%2BszUz7MR7KN6so2RZvU32fCtHB14j2vHVXkaytDu653flfPWASPWQKprXowbOsghYz0UegMyUjO1a67axaYcTUrVAt7OxvM%2BwyZDkSPJhOWHDfcSyL30v%2BhTLjWxGRy4GdrEndVdgAw3RmjDWx0E4CrmUkycwWQND01xhJI6IijMO%2BgoJ%2FFVSnrNNvGVGCCtU80%2FylVKonMGKTDptdPrqsi8aQDdQYdyL5sq4itFXa6Obi0EvBTjlB8p%2BMORusgVwSP9PBJFbLLbT%2FnxegI2FJJ0wh5%2BMvgY6sgFhGU%2FH5TGFnQMV5o1J5r37XL5V8jHthF%2FO3kUtL%2Fk6oDRUfFYPQxvyRxi0EzFaGcDu7jYC53O%2BZxrzPgPJS1qP6%2BNJu6%2FDls8iyGvg3JAi85RLRRgZlhp3wnfLghXW4W6VnmXzQzMUdjCahckzzB9w8XVmhGrXw%2F4JIvHgSx73D6oVy%2BPMi4h%2F4I5T08ApqPSaR7bkrnYvAtWgfjRynIpiabV%2BBisHSuNwL11EsBTf3auq&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20250301T144026Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTY4USPLILK%2F20250301%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=03ec372fac008431242909cb94e0acfca84a8a7d4fdc142df102bf78149b9761&hash=1da48c96274cce2ef2914eaf9bd37a118e05e359da92f349fb5c1a767dcd852e&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S1364661324002213&tid=spdf-52d87662-932c-46b0-925b-296bc39e2460&sid=f0d8a6a836dc5742e59bb5900fc7ac98a3f4gxrqa&type=client&tsoh=d3d3LXNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QtY29tLnByb3h5MS5saWJyYXJ5LmpodS5lZHU%3D&rh=d3d3LXNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QtY29tLnByb3h5MS5saWJyYXJ5LmpodS5lZHU%3D&ua=0f105a505f56585c0053&rr=919968d1f9843b0b&cc=us
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Michal Schwartz: How Immune System Cells Promote Brain Health and Recovery From Damage
02/25/2025
Michal Schwartz: How Immune System Cells Promote Brain Health and Recovery From Damage
It had long been thought that the brain was ‘immunologically privileged’ (physically separated from the immune system). However, this dogma was overturned by a series of discoveries including those made by Professor Michal Schwartz at the Weizmann Institute. In this episode I talk with Michal about the different types of immune cells that are located in ‘immunological niches’ of the brain (choroid plexus, perivascular space, meninges..) and how these cells play critical roles in maintaining normal brain health and function (neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory). In addition, Michal tells us how the immune system is vital for healing and protecting the brain in case of injury or disease in a process called protective autoimmunity. LINKS The Schwartz laboratory webpage: https://www.weizmann.ac.il/brain-sciences/labs/schwartz/ Review article in Science: https://www-science-org.proxy1.library.jhu.edu/doi/epdf/10.1126/science.abo7649 Review article in Neuron: https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/272195/1-s2.0-S0896627324X00021/1-s2.0-S0896627324008821/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEOT%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJGMEQCIH9qI%2FHFo0TFwwhZ5hnpbny3R%2BBmGbU0Q6Jf2eSs4aMwAiAg1gQKCHXgtyB1QTOz9%2BHuFdAEwUjZfZxdN7qIuitxnSqyBQgdEAUaDDA1OTAwMzU0Njg2NSIMamYY8Czn0NEpjijeKo8Fst5HNVzMqIsK6tHRy1OPd3%2BiRf4CleOwam945epwh%2BWJCRv3vjV8cHVmcUPqNnQI6CNJ%2BHjihnNnr1KKKh25j9oqm8eVOB6EPMOQmOlZ8JnfOw82gvpFwLvNDQBspUb%2FSS7qIz1LTJRkQASLgxJzjCDB2emDLOTnwBmVrktQOqTAH1A04l%2FY5xtc1GQI9emBGMXRHjBFSH2LHORJ08vvfDEMpF%2FnFWesKWqcGC9SrZdSxXgiVvnL2kX%2FA96V1%2B5AevSLvAQz2GiAfG7IjuurqeZht68BqTv%2Bi%2BRqNRIYIFbGxDzeucq3ac1xrSlaHwznp31k%2BFLwJoLLYSEixqfBpuBat%2Ft9vzhxMlcflvyteLNaP4B4EHiuQ9DixBMYQ0hKdtHXZpd7wmY1UYM9g1S4Yc6GNMjj%2BfXQWexvCOgUbqPqIjDp4WtKdPA%2B1slxuoE4wyns%2Bvqntw01MjdbU9Bn4pBQQOwS4fzz9bFlB2iDKGAKXyN0SHqdWPpP9Scj6yJuIXOsZkSS0481ADJLyUF7n46ZFuKmYSsDdy5f5RegbcmY25YITTooTxJxK0IXBczdPZIkfWAsPvBvvq%2BREarPeOA3FAcEs5%2BOSSU41qk8QJEiHdOdnTuScsjI1yMElwnepaA8DdJ9DTU3YeXpMG7xColHHCpn%2FeCeTvP612oFVjqE4Q1yqBpdCiy2CMWdvHhtXcAZOeavgMMfqhk6OWN8qXlZubu8uFiOfDwDpPWZE5qpitKaC6pwM7lkYyecPstLn84Sh149kpVnMY1aLp2NgCZ4rvq4XWwV1dMNrPeKU7GyQBwIKIBGlQz5fHPFbINPDH8UXZW7cCe%2BT02g0BXwQY4lgzqGqxyYpe3NtS7dwzD%2B%2BO29BjqyAemqzi7IVALnQ9vlrBPSO%2BkAPcisPB%2FY%2B8BmQC16wLFwu63gufdnti8i%2FsS1H%2FD%2BpPqJ3t1vn2wie%2FOc9mgRZkY8HqNqX9Dv%2FUH%2FOICaGadyLdPc8A3sjo7bPtUV42NA5FZwBt8YiikhkCFQwzTcrHzr5fP9kN9ThQVSY1DMSTz%2BMbLmLWoolWEwLwzL9mS3qEz2mX3h%2Boec4CYuKBRgExYTH0V1dk0bfca4YMPpvgER7iA%3D&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20250223T204131Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTYZTUPN5RI%2F20250223%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=59057549b15a459c579302af14796c40e5c70192d93a62b69b68c2bd3942cd8b&hash=bc06cbd441c60c0f8ee395108521ce86afe847a68e5f109544b937b88a9c473c&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S0896627324008821&tid=spdf-34e9b5cb-d1e9-4a56-8a8b-edab99b3d37e&sid=d752fa96683d9742086a083805b7d9da151bgxrqa&type=client&tsoh=d3d3LXNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QtY29tLnByb3h5MS5saWJyYXJ5LmpodS5lZHU%3D&rh=d3d3LXNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QtY29tLnByb3h5MS5saWJyYXJ5LmpodS5lZHU%3D&ua=0f105a50500e5e5d5c53&rr=916a0981a902c99d&cc=us
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Diego Mendoza-Halliday: How the Brain Stays on Task - Attention, Noise Filtering and Working Memory
02/18/2025
Diego Mendoza-Halliday: How the Brain Stays on Task - Attention, Noise Filtering and Working Memory
Throughout our waking hours neural networks in our brains are processing incoming information, particularly sights and sounds, integrating those inputs with stored information, making decisions, and executing responses. Staying on task requires that we attend to the details of the task while filtering out ‘noise’. In this episode I talk with Diego Mendoza-Halliday at the University of Pittsburgh about visual working memory – what it is, what neuronal circuits are involved, and how it works. His experiments involve recording of neuronal activity in prefrontal cortex and other brain regions while individuals are performing visual working memory tasks. His findings have revealed previously unknown mechanisms. He has demonstrated that attention and working memory involve different groups of neurons and has shown that throughout the cerebral cortex there is spectro-laminar motif of neuronal oscillation frequencies that appears to play an important role in working memory. This research is not only revealing how our brains process information in a seemingly effortless manner, but may also lead to new ways of improving human productivity and treating memory disorders. LINKS Mendoza-Halliday lab webpage https://www.mendoza-halliday-lab.com/ Coding of perceived and memorized visual features in the prefrontal cortex https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5461493/pdf/ncomms15471.pdf Dissociation of neurons involved in attention and working memory https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0896-6273%2823%2900935-2 Spectrolaminar motif of local field power in the cerebral cortex https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10917659/pdf/41593_2023_Article_1554.pdf Review article on working memory https://www.annualreviews.org/docserver/fulltext/psych/74/1/annurev-psych-021422-041757.pdf?expires=1739719353&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=3C2E750794D8E913C545FF401FEA62F7
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Thomas Hartung: Merging Brain Organoid and AI Technologies to Accelerate Basic and Applied Research
02/11/2025
Thomas Hartung: Merging Brain Organoid and AI Technologies to Accelerate Basic and Applied Research
Professor Thomas Hartung has made a major impact in biomedical research by developing and promoting alternatives to animal research. His efforts are leading to more ethical and efficient approaches to basic and applied research in the fields of environmental toxicology, drug development, and neuroscience. In this episode I talk with Thomas about two major flourishing technologies – brain organoids and artificial intelligence – and how they are being rapidly incorporated into both basic and translational research. He provides an historical perspective on the overzealous and unnecessary use of lab animals for toxicology and drug development and then delves into emerging research on ‘organoid intelligence’ and the relationships and interactions of brain organoids and AI. A very thought-provoking conversation. LINKS Organoid Intelligence webpage: https://organoidintelligence.org/ AI and alternative texting of toxins and drugs: https://www.altex.org/index.php/altex/issue/view/166 Brain Organoids and Organoid Intelligence articles https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10013972/pdf/frai-06-1116870.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10796793/pdf/frai-06-1307613.pdf
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