Best Synaptic Podcasts (2025)

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Henning Fenselau – Neural Circuits Controlling Appetite and Energy Metabolism and GLP-1 Actions 56:52

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3d ago56:52

56:52

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 ne…

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S3E5 - Anna Schapiro - Can we model the way REM and NREM replay consolidate memories? 53:07

8d ago53:07

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How are memories represented in the brain and how can we model this? Professor Anna Schapiro from University of Pennsylvania as we discuss her work on computational modelling of sleep and memory. In this episode, we discuss several kinds of Neural Network models as well as diving into the history of Jay McClleland's Complementary Learning Systems t…

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Tessa Montague: Disappearing Act - How the Brain Controls Camouflage in Cuttlefish and Octopuses 1:09:01

9d ago1:09:01

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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…

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Jonathan Long: Lactate-Phe and Ketone-Phe: Exerkines and Fastokines for Brain Health and Plasticity? 1:02:26

16d ago1:02:26

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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…

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Carlos Matute: Brain White Matter in Health, Endurance Exercise, and Disease 1:17:20

23d ago1:17:20

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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 ov…

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Michael Kreutz: Amazing Nanomachines in Synapses that Keep Brains Healthy and Wise 1:01:28

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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 maint…

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Jordan Grafman: Neural Circuits of Religiosity: ‘The Kingdom of God’ is in the Prefrontal Cortex 1:11:17

1M ago1:11:17

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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 neur…

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Sridevi Sarma: Using DSM and Neuro-engineering to Diagnose and Treat Neurological Disorders 52:43

1M ago52:43

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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 thi…

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Richard Johnson: How High Fructose Intake Induces Obesity and Chronic Diseases of the Body and Brain 1:09:28

2M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

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 affe…

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Brian Kennedy: Decoding Metabolic Aging Clocks to Understand and Counteract Aging 1:20:19

2M ago1:20:19

1:20:19

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 hea…

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Anton Maximov – The Synaptic Signatures of a Memory: Zooming in Using Cutting-Edge Technology 1:36:52

2M ago1:36:52

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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 Max…

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Allan Butterfield: Cell Membrane Lipid Peroxidation and Neuron Degeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease 1:30:42

2M ago1:30:42

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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…

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Francesco Papaleo: Inter-brain Synchrony and Co-modulation of Neural Networks in Social Interactions 1:09:37

3M ago1:09:37

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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 inte…

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S3E4 - Rebecca Spencer - Sleep accross a lifetime - infant to old age 47:23

3M ago47:23

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How does our sleep change as we age and what could this mean for memory and cognition? In this episode, we discuss with Professor Rebecca Spencer her research exploring how our sleep patterns evolve over the course of our lives. We explore the phenomenon of infantile amnesia - why we can't remember our earliest childhood experiences - and unpack th…

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Thiruma Arumugam – Vascular Dementia Mechanisms, Risks, and Prevention 1:16:16

3M ago1:16:16

1:16:16

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 ca…

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Principles of Optics, Lenses, and Vision 21:23

3M ago21:23

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By Pedram

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Thermal Sensation, Headache Origins, and Pain Pathways 17:57

3M ago17:57

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By Pedram

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William Brady: MADness: Understanding and Counteracting Social Discord and Moral Contagion 1:09:03

3M ago1:09:03

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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. More…

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Physiology of Pain, Headache, and Thermal Sensation 15:24

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By Pedram

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Principles of Somatosensory Signal Transmission 17:50

3M ago17:50

17:50

By Pedram

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Somatic Sensation: Touch, Position, and Neural Pathways 23:02

3M ago23:02

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By Pedram

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Neuronal Pool Signaling: Prolongation, Stability, and Rhythms 14:13

3M ago14:13

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By Pedram

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Sensory Receptors and Neuronal Signal Processing 15:46

3M ago15:46

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By Pedram

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Neurotransmission: Mechanisms, Excitation, and Inhibition 16:09

3M ago16:09

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By Pedram

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Dietary Phytochemicals and Mycochemicals, Neuroplasticity, and Neuroprotection 1:14:24

3M ago1:14:24

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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 evo…

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Neurotransmitters 10:46

4M ago10:46

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By Pedram

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Nervous System and Synaptic transmission mechanism 13:48

4M ago13:48

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By Pedram

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Understanding the Nervous System 10:25

4M ago10:25

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By Pedram

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Dietmar Schmitz: Interneuron Diversity and Circuit Mechanisms of Brain Rhythms in Memory and Recall 1:22:13

4M ago1:22:13

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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 thet…

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S3E3 - Can sleep make us more creative? 53:55

4M ago53:55

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In this deep dive episode, we look at how sleep onset can help creativity. With our amazing guest speakers, Professor Bob Stickgold, Dr Adam Horowitz, Professor Delphine Oudiette and Dr Celia Lacaux, we take a look at their work on creativity, dreams and N1 sleep. Together, we discuss different definitions of creativity, what defines N1 and what it…

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Dudley Lamming: mTOR – How Dietary Protein and Amino Acids Affect Aging and Disease Processes 1:15:37

4M ago1:15:37

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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 dis…

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Roshan Cools: Dopamine’s Roles in Cognitive Control, Motivation, Decision-Making, ADHD, and PD 1:12:27

4M ago1:12:27

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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 …

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Maryanne Garry: Misinformation, Disinformation, False Memories, AI, and Our Future 1:16:25

4M ago1:16:25

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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 memo…

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Deep Dive Podcast - Transforming Ideas into Gold: The Journey of Synaptic Alchemy 17:51

4M ago17:51

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Welcome to an enlightening episode where we delve into the fascinating world of synaptic alchemy, a modern reimagining of ancient alchemical principles that teaches us how to transform our ideas into gold. We explore how this intriguing framework offers a structured approach to innovation by breaking it down into three essential stages: destruction…

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Michal Schwartz: How Immune System Cells Promote Brain Health and Recovery From Damage 56:59

4M ago56:59

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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 locat…

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Diego Mendoza-Halliday: How the Brain Stays on Task - Attention, Noise Filtering and Working Memory 1:22:39

5M ago1:22:39

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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 …

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Thomas Hartung: Merging Brain Organoid and AI Technologies to Accelerate Basic and Applied Research 1:07:18

5M ago1:07:18

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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 tw…

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Magdalena Götz: Direct Conversion of Astrocytes Into Neurons – Progress and Therapeutic Potential 54:55

5M ago54:55

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Someday it may be possible to restore neuronal networks that have been lost or damaged by brain injury or in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. There are as many astrocytes in the human brain as there are neurons and the astrocytes generally do not die in brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders. Profess…

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Ep. 19: Stimulating the brain with Damien Fair 1:07:53

5M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

The MacArthur Foundation "genius" discusses his return to his home state of Minnesota and why it's important to protect the developing brain.

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S3E2 - Francesca Siclari - Parasomnias and dreaming 43:29

5M ago43:29

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Sleepwalking, sleep talking, night terrors - how do they occur and why do some people have them more than others? Join us as we discuss with Professor Francesca Siclari her work looking at non-REM parasomnias and the link to dreaming. We discuss the various forms that non-REM parasomnias can take, how they differ between adults and children and wha…

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Antonio Di leva: Fractal Patterns and the Brain - Applications in Basic and Clinical Neuroscience 1:12:42

5M ago1:12:42

1:12:42

The Euclidean geometry that we learned in our primary education concerns man-made shapes such as rectangles, triangles, and perfect circles. However the shapes of molecules, cells, and organ systems (and their dynamic changes over time) are more complex. Some biological structures exhibit fractal geometry which is defined as “shapes and patterns th…

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Stephan Sigrist: Dietary Spermidine, Neuroplasticity, Aging, and Brain Health 1:08:36

5M ago1:08:36

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Polyamines are small organic molecules that are acquired in the diet and can also be synthesized in cells. Spermidine is a polyamine that is increasingly recognized as playing important roles in counteracting aging. Foods with high amounts of spermidine include whole grains, broccoli, and natto (fermented soybeans). Professor Stephan Sigrist at the…

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Jon Simons: Reality Monitoring- How the Brain Distinguishes Between Imagination and Reality 1:06:16

6M ago1:06:16

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In the moment most people can readily distinguish between information that is coming into the brain from their senses and what information their brain is generating. However, when recalling information stored in the brain’s neuronal networks the ability to distinguish between what was real and what was imagined becomes more problematic. How does th…

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Keqiang Ye: From Gut to Brain – Rogue Protein Fragments in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases 1:20:26

6M ago1:20:26

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In this episode Emory University and Chinese Academy of Sciences Professor Keqiang Ye talks about his fascinating and ground-breaking trail of discoveries that have revealed previously unknown mechanism responsible for the production and accumulation of damaging fragments of the APP and Tau proteins in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the alpha-synucle…

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For-Profit Drivers of Poor Health in America 2: Pharmaceutical Industry 1:15:18

6M ago1:15:18

1:15:18

Among high income countries the United States spends the most on health care and yet has the lowest life expectancy. A high percentage of Americans suffer with chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, and Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases. There are several reasons why people living in the wealthiest…

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S3E1 - Start of Season Christmas Q&A 28:17

7M ago28:17

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To kickstart season 3 of the Sleep Science Podcast, we have the lab behind the podcast, NaPS Lab, to answer some great sleep-related questions from our listeners. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions! Want to find out more about the team and the lab? Check out our website here. 1. What is lucid dreaming? - Answered by Mo Abdellahi Lucid dreamin…

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Jason Shepherd: The Arc Protein – From Viral Origins to Center Stage in Neuroplasticity and Disease 1:00:41

7M ago1:00:41

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In this episode I talk with Professor Jason Shepherd about his discoveries concerning a fascinating protein called Arc. In response to synaptic activity Arc levels rapidly increase in postsynaptic dendrites as a result of local translation of the Arc mRNA in the dendrites. Arc plays a critical role in long-term memory although it is not necessary f…

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For-Profit Drivers of Poor [Brain] Health in America 1: Food Industries 1:14:09

7M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

Among high income countries the United States spends the most on health care and yet has the lowest life expectancy. A high percentage of Americans suffer with chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, and Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases. There are several reasons why people living in the wealthiest…

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Bruno Rossion: Elucidating the Remarkable Ability of the Human Brain to Recognize Faces 1:10:09

7M ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Humans have the amazing ability to instantly recognize the faces of hundreds or even thousands of people they have previously met or seen in pictures or movies. Studies of people with brain injuries that render them incapable of recognizing faces and recordings of neuronal activity in people during face recognition have shown that networks in the o…

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Bioenergetics and Brain Health 4: Brain Aging, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases, and Stroke 1:27:21

8M ago1:27:21

1:27:21

In this final episode of the Bioenergetics and Brain Health series I talk about changes that occur in brain cells during normal aging, and in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke with emphasis on alterations upstream and downstream of cellular energy metabolism. The episode concludes with examples of therapeutic interventions that t…