Summary
In this episode of StarTalk, Neil deGrasse Tyson and neuroscientist Heather Berlin discuss various topics related to neuroscience. They explore how our brain creates a story based on signals received from our senses and how this can lead to hallucinations. They also discuss the idea that everything we experience is a brain experience, and that imagination is a creation of an experience in our brain that is not based on external data. The guest also explains how the brain can be malleable and adapt to changes in sensory input, and how this can be used to help blind people "see" using their other senses. Overall, the podcast provides fascinating insights into how our brain works and how it shapes our perception of reality.
The hosts also delve into the concept of synesthesia and how it can be linked to childhood experiences. They discuss the use of neural implants to stimulate the visual cortex and cochlear devices to help with hearing. The stigma surrounding mental illness is discussed, with the hosts highlighting the difficulty in identifying and treating these conditions. Finally, they answer a listener's question about brain tumors and how they can grow to a large size before causing symptoms.
In addition, the hosts touch on the function of dreams and theories about why we dream. The guest explains that dreams are thought to be a way for the brain to consolidate and reinforce important information while discarding irrelevant information. They also explore whether or not pain can be felt without a brain, with examples such as jellyfish and lobsters being brought up.
The hosts and guest also discuss animal consciousness, memory storage in the brain, focus and attention, and the possibility of brain and body transplants. They touch on topics such as how pain is measured behaviorally in animals, the humane treatment of animals during slaughter, and the potential for replacing biological brains with silicon-based ones in the future. Throughout the conversation, they share anecdotes and humorous quips, making for an engaging and informative podcast episode.
