Claim OwnershipThe Neuro Network
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© Nick Burgraff 2022
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Big ideas, curious conversations. The Neuro Network unpacks science with a lighthearted twist. Hosted by Nick Burgraff, a professor and neuroscientist based in Madison, Wisconsin.
55 Episodes
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In this episode of The Neuro Network, we sit down with Dr. Michael Platt, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology and Director of the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Platt’s research bridges neuroscience, decision-making, and economics, revealing how brains allocate attention, assign value, and decide what to believe.The conversation centers on a recent Nature Neuroscience commentary calling on scientists to rethink how they communicate with the public. We explore the neuroscience of attention, trust, storytelling, and distraction, why good science often fails to land, and how principles from decision science and the attention economy shape belief in science, media, and everyday life.https://www.drmichaelplatt.com/
In this episode we sit down with Dr. Christof Koch- one of the world’s most influential neuroscientists and a pioneer in the scientific study of consciousness. Christof has spent his career trying to understand how the brain creates our inner world: our perceptions, emotions, fears, dreams, and our very sense of self.This conversation moves far beyond theory. We explore what consciousness feels like from the inside- how anxiety and fear arise in the brain, why psychedelics can dissolve the boundaries of the self, and what dreams reveal about the machinery of the mind. We dig into the practice of confronting one's inner demons, cultivating inner peace, and how exercise, diverse experiences, and strong community shape who we become.Along the way, they touch on everything from evolutionary biology to the Amish, weaving science with deeply human questions about meaning, identity, and how to live a fuller life.If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to be human - and how the brain constructs the reality you experience - this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Your brain says “breathe,” but your body can’t.In this episode, we break down how fentanyl hijacks the nervous system-shutting airways, stiffening the chest, and breaking the link between the brain and the breath. Based on two new papers from the lab, this story explains the real physiology behind opioid overdose and what it means for emergency response and recovery.
In this episode, Dr. Joel Snyder joins us to unpack his recent Nature Neuroscience paper challenging Integrated Information Theory (IIT). We dive into the limits of testability, the allure of elegant models, and whether systems like the brainstem’s respiratory rhythm generator might force us to rethink where consciousness begins.
Is dopamine really the "pleasure molecule"? Or have we been getting it all wrong? In this episode, we dive into the neuroscience behind craving, motivation, and addiction—and reveal why your brain is wired not for the reward itself, but for the pursuit of it. From social media scrolls to big life goals, we explore how dopamine shapes our habits, our happiness, and our sense of purpose.
Join us as we take a look into a new feature of fentanyl and other opioids in the body. What do they do? How do they work? And why could they be devastating? Tune in to learn.
In this episode, we explore how orexin neurons in the brain help us prioritize exercise over tempting distractions like delicious food. Discover the science behind this brain-powered 'gym coach' and learn why some people are better at resisting temptation—giving us fresh insights into motivation, decision-making, and the battle between brain and cravings.Paper: Tesmer, A. L., Li, X., Bracey, E., Schmandt, C., Polania, R., Peleg-Raibstein, D., & Burdakov, D. (2024). Orexin neurons mediate temptation-resistant voluntary exercise. Nature Neuroscience, 1-9.
Join us as we explore the world of sleep at high altitudes. Discover how thin air impacts breathing and sleep patterns, and delve into scientific studies that shed light on how our bodies adapt to these extreme environments. Tune in to unravel the mysteries of sleeping among the stars and learn how to enhance your rest on your next high-altitude adventure.Paper: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1113/JP285397Ibrahim, Abubaker, et al. "Effects of periodic breathing on sleep at high altitude: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study using inspiratory CO2." The Journal of Physiology (2024).
This week, we dive into the enigma of whether the universe is locally real, exploring the profound ways our perceptions mold reality and how neural network states govern our consciousness. Join us as we unravel the intricate dance between observation, cognition, and the very fabric of existence.
This week we're talking all things injuries. How do you train with an injury? How do you prevent injuries? And how do you come back from an injury? Nick breaks his collarbone and Mark drowns while snorkeling.
In this episode, we dive into the complex world of pain, exploring the intricate neuroscience behind opioids and understanding their impact on the brain. Our guest, Jamie Moffa is an expert in both the scientific and podcasting spheres, offering unique insights into how these powerful medications influence the brain and the challenges they present in both treatment and public perception. Join us as we bridge the gap between advanced scientific understanding and accessible communication, shedding light on a topic of profound relevance in today's world.In Plain English Podcast: https://inplainenglishpod.org/
Zach is back and we're talking all things alkaline and hydrogen water. Does it really help? Can changing the pH of your water unlock an elixir to eternal life? Or is it all a bunch of nonsense? Tune in to find out what we think.
Zach is back. Join us on this illuminating journey where we discuss the intoxicating smells of Jiu-Jitsu, construction of simple electronic and robotic devices, and delve into the intricacies of the scientific review process.
In this episode, we dive into the intricate science of weight management, exploring beyond the notion of calories in, calories out. We examine how various factors like sleep, stress, genetics, and the body's complex metabolic processes interplay in determining weight gain or loss. Join us for a fascinating journey through the physiological and psychological aspects of weight management.
Dive into the cutting-edge realm of optogenetics. In this episode we explore how light is being used to sculpt the future of stem cell research. We dissect a groundbreaking study that uses blue light to direct stem cells into cartilage, paving the way for advancements in regenerative medicine. Join us as we illuminate the intricate orchestration of cells and light, unfolding the potential of this revolutionary technology in tissue engineering and beyond.Paper: https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(23)01514-0#%20Humphreys, P. E., Woods, S., Bates, N., Rooney, K. M., Mancini, F. E., Barclay, C., ... & Kimber, S. J. (2023). Optogenetic manipulation of BMP signaling to drive chondrogenic differentiation of hPSCs. Cell Reports, 42(12).
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of neural networks that govern social interactions. Join us as we explore groundbreaking research using optogenetics and chemogenetics to unravel the roles of key brain areas in forming and maintaining social bonds. Discover the intricate dance between the brain's circuits and our social world, shedding light on the complex interplay that underpins our every interaction.Paper: https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002343Rojek-Sito, K., Meyza, K., Ziegart-Sadowska, K., Nazaruk, K., Puścian, A., Hamed, A., ... & Knapska, E. (2023). Optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches reveal differences in neuronal circuits that mediate initiation and maintenance of social interaction. PLoS biology, 21(11), e3002343.
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Pamela Lein, a renowned neurotoxicologist from UC Davis, to delve into the intricate world of environmental neurotoxins. We explore the hidden dangers of chemicals like PCBs in our everyday environment, their profound effects on brain development and function, and the innovative strategies being developed to mitigate these risks. Join us as we uncover the critical intersection between our health and the toxins that silently surround us, and gain invaluable insights from Dr. Lein's pioneering research in this vital field.https://leinlab.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/https://www.theneuronetwork.org/
Dive into the dynamic relationship between aging and brain health in this enlightening episode, where we explore a pivotal study on how exercise influences motor cortical plasticity in older adults. Uncover the nuanced ways our brain's capacity for adaptation responds to physical activity as we age, and what this means for maintaining cognitive vitality throughout our golden years. Join us as we discuss the implications of this research for personal and how we can all keep our minds as active as our bodies, no matter our age.Curtin, D., Cadwallader, C. J., Taylor, E. M., Andrews, S. C., Stout, J. C., Hendrikse, J. J., ... & Coxon, J. P. (2023). Ageing attenuates exercise-enhanced motor cortical plasticity. Journal of Physiology
In this episode, Dr. Michael Kentris joins to delve deep into the symbiotic relationship between neuroscience research and clinical neurology, exploring how each field informs and enhances the other. Join us as we discuss the barriers in translating research to clinic, and discuss innovative strategies to demystify neuro education, ultimately aiming to dismantle the prevalent "neurophobia" among medical students, physicians, and patients alike.The Neurotransmitters: www.theneurotransmitters.comThe Neuro Network: https://www.theneuronetwork.org/
In this episode, we journey into the mysterious world of sleep, challenging long-held beliefs about our brain's disconnect during slumber. Delving into a groundbreaking study, we uncover the surprising ways our sleeping minds engage with external stimuli, revealing a spectrum of awareness previously unimagined. Join us as we explore the intricate dance between dreams and reality, and discover the profound cognitive capabilities that persist even in the depths of rest.Paper: Türker, B., Musat, E. M., Chabani, E., Fonteix-Galet, A., Maranci, J. B., Wattiez, N., ... & Oudiette, D. (2023). Behavioral and brain responses to verbal stimuli reveal transient periods of cognitive integration of the external world during sleep. Nature Neuroscience, 1-13. Link to Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-023-01449-7Website: https://www.theneuronetwork.org/
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