The Jordan Harbinger Show 474: David Eagleman | The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain
Feb 25, 2021
David Eagleman, a Stanford neuroscientist and author of 'Livewired,' discusses the brain's incredible adaptability. He explains how our sensory landscape can reorganize itself and even create new senses through technology. Eagleman delves into the competitive collaboration within neurons and the impact of neglect on child development. He reveals how virtual reality can alter perception and explores the fascinating world of savants and their extraordinary abilities, highlighting the future possibilities for assistive technologies in enhancing perception.
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Language Shaping the Brain
- Japanese babies lose the ability to distinguish between R and L sounds by six months old because the distinction isn't important in Japanese.
- This illustrates how the brain prunes connections based on environmental input.
Genes and Environment
- Genes and environment are both crucial for brain development, acting like a cone and trajectory, respectively.
- Experiences can alter gene expression via epigenetics, challenging the traditional nature-nurture debate.
Neglect and Critical Periods
- Romanian orphans suffered cognitive deficits due to neglect, highlighting the importance of early interaction.
- Feral children like Danielle demonstrate how critical periods for language acquisition can be missed due to lack of input.
