Tag: brain
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Rat Ticklers
Newly published research represents “a fantastic step forward” for understanding the neural basis of play and laughter in mammals. That research involves tickling rats and playing games with them, and may reveal where in the brain play is localized. Jeff and Anthony are tickled to see it, and discuss their own thoughts on rodent play. [more]
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The Case for Digital Dementia
A new study has found that storing important information in a digital device frees up the mind to remember other, less important details — which otherwise would be crowded out by the important stuff. It suggests that tech might be improving our memories, contrary to the popular notion that tech is giving us all “digital dementia.” Anthony and Jeff discuss whether this data changes their opinions about how devices are impacting human memory, and how new technology can make things even better. [more]
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Habit Forming and Microwave Friend
How much of our daily lives are lived out of habit? How can habits shape our behavior in positive ways? Anthony and Jeff take a look at new research that suggests habitual action has a much larger role to play in human life than previously thought. Then, how for would you go to talk to your imaginary friend? One Youtuber decided to use some pretty slick technology to do just that, but the results are surprising. Jeff and Anthony step through the story of AI gone frighteningly wrong. [more]
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The Sour Paradox and Memory Loss is Memory Gain
Of the classic five categories of taste, sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami, only one of them has no discernible evolutionary purpose. Scientists do not understand why we even sense sour, let alone why it is so pervasive across species. Jeff and Anthony look at the evidence and consider the most prominent theories. Then, what if having a touch time remembering something isn't a bug, but a feature? Anthony and Jeff examine a new paper that suggests that out brain is optimizing for success when it limits recall. [more]
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Alien Dust-os and Pong Brains
New observations of the star known as KIC 8462852, or Tabby's Star, do not close the door on the idea of an advanced alien civilization. Jeff and Anthony step through the new data and imagine the possibilities. Then, a group of brain cells in a jar has been taught to play the video game Pong - and it does it better than artificial AI. Anthony and Jeff work through their feelings about a bio-computer. [more]
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Awake at 3am and Armageddon was Right
A new paper by a psychology researcher delves into why so many of us wake up at 3am full of anxiety. It isn't simply stress, but a complex interplay of internal and external processes. Anthony and Jeff talk about that unique time of night, and the KLF. Then, the idea of sending a nuke to an incoming asteroid to save humanity is the stuff of bad popcorn flicks, but what if it actually worked? Jeff and Anthony discuss new research that could make Michael Bay's vision a reality. [more]
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Shock Therapy and Space Mummies
Researchers claim, for the first time, to have used custom-fitted deep brain stimulation to substantially alleviate a patient’s decades-long bout with severe depression. Anthony and Jeff discuss the scientific and ethical ramifications of re-wiring the brain with actual wires. Then, what happens to dead bodies on Mars? If humans are gonna go there, then we better be thinking about it! Luckily, scientists are, and Jeff and Anthony might not like the conclusions. [more]
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Representational Drift and the Stress of Grey
Neuroscientists studying how the sense of smell operates in the brains of mice have discovered a phenomenon they cannot explain. In fact, it may change the entire way we think about how brains work. Jeff and Anthony dive into the topic to see what the excitement is about. Then, we all have heard that stress can cause grey hair, but new research has found the link may be more significant than we ever knew. Anthony and Jeff talk about stress, aging, and looking distinguished. [more]
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Destroy the Sun and AI Know What You’re Thinking
A new study finds direct correlation between proton density in the rays of the sun and seismic activity on earth, leading researchers to believe there may be a way to predict earthquakes up to 24 hours in advance. Jeff and Anthony consider the evidence that the Sun may be causing earthquakes and what it could mean. Then, scientists are connecting humans with EKG sensors to computers running AI algorithms. The resulting data is allowing the AI to be able to predict what a human is thinking. Anthony and Jeff look at the positives and negatives of such experiments. [more]
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Time Crystals and Number Loss
Time Crystals. We made them. Well, not we, but researchers at two institutions made them simultaneously! Anthony and Jeff discuss what Time Crystals are and how they may revolutionize watches and computers, too! Then the story of a man who lost the ability to see numbers. Jeff and Anthony talk about how this unique condition reveals a lot about how the human brain works. [more]
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