DiscoverShirtloads of ScienceThe Brain's Energy Bill: From Childhood to Old Age with Assoc. Prof Sharna Jamadar (448)
The Brain's Energy Bill: From Childhood to Old Age with Assoc. Prof Sharna Jamadar (448)

The Brain's Energy Bill: From Childhood to Old Age with Assoc. Prof Sharna Jamadar (448)

Update: 2025-10-18
Share

Description

In this episode, we're joined by Associate Professor Sharna Jamadar, a cognitive neuroscientist at Monash University, to explore how the brain uses energy, and how that changes across the lifespan. Did you know that a 10-year-old's brain uses over 50% of the body's total energy, compared to just 20% in adults? We dive into why younger brains work harder, the role of synaptic pruning and proliferation, and how the brain's organisation impacts cognitive efficiency. We also touch on the importance of glucose metabolism and its connection to age-related disorders like Alzheimer's. A fascinating look at the energy demands of our most complex organ!


Bluesky: @SharnaJamadar
Linkedin: Sharna Jamadar
www.sharnajamadar.com
Email: Sharna.jamadar@monash.edu

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

The Brain's Energy Bill: From Childhood to Old Age with Assoc. Prof Sharna Jamadar (448)

The Brain's Energy Bill: From Childhood to Old Age with Assoc. Prof Sharna Jamadar (448)

Dr Karl