What If Every Cell Has a Memory? From Cells to Consciousness | Prof. Nikolay Kukushkin
Memory is more than just a function of neurons; non-neuronal cells can “remember” too. In this episode, we welcome Prof. Nikolay Kukushkin, Clinical Associate Professor of Life Science and research fellow at the Center for Neural Science, NYU, to discuss the fascinating science of memory. We explore how neurons and other cells store information and abstract ideas, why scientists study sea slugs to uncover the mechanisms of learning and memory, and the potential implications of cellular memory for mental health, learning, and cancer treatment. We also discuss the new upcoming book by Prof. Kukushkin called “One Hand Clapping - Unraveling the Mystery of the Human Mind”.This episode provides in-depth insights for anyone curious about neuroscience, memory, and consciousness, revealing the remarkable ways our cells contribute to how information is stored, processed, and retained.Timestamps:00:00:00 In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond00:00:29 Introduction00:01:58 Prof. Kukushkin’s Journey: From Biochemistry to Neuroscience00:04:30 What Is Cellular Memory?00:07:32 How do Neuroscientists Study Memory?00:13:29 Massed vs. Spaced Effect in Learning and Memory00:17:15 Where Is Memory Stored?00:20:09 Neuronal Memory vs. Non-Neuronal Memory00:24:32 How Neurons Store Abstract Information and Ideas00:30:39 Can Animals Experience Memory Like Humans?00:32:41 Sea Slugs, Consciousness, and Evolutionary Perspectives00:38:53 Can Cancer Cells Remember Chemotherapy Treatment?00:42:36 Cellular Memory and Mental Health Research00:48:09 Writing One Hand Clapping: Science and Storytelling00:55:34 Motivation Behind Writing a Book01:02:23 Theories of Consciousness01:09:21 Do We Have the Technology to Study Consciousness?01:12:49 Psychedelics, Brain Research, and Conscious Experience01:15:57 Final Insights on Memory and the Human MindSubscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for exciting neuroscience content.🔗 Link to our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond#neuroscience #Memory #CellularMemory #BrainScience #Learning #HumanCognition #Neurons #SeaSlugs #MentalHealth #SciencePodcast #OneHandClapping Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286.Neuroscience and Beyond team:Svilen GeorgievKristina JevdokimenkoAhsen Konaç SayıcıLaura van AgenMusic contributors: Steffen Pöschel (Ilanoor)
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Funding Models, Career Pressure, and the Future of Science | Challenges in Academia with Raymundo Báez-Mendoza, PhD #7
In our Problems in Academia series, we talk with scientists about the biggest challenges in research today and how the system could better support scientists at every level.In this episode, Raymundo Báez-Mendoza, PhD, group leader at the German Primate Centre, shares honest insights into the economics of science-from how funding models shape lab decisions to the growing imbalance between large and small research groups.Visit our Problems in Academia series to hear how leading scientists are rethinking research culture and building a better future for science.🔗 Link to the Playlist of Problems in Academia: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLtjKq7qE0GdKtOrU9a3U0mPzPgW67waB#ResearchReform #AcademicCareers #ScienceFunding #BrainDrain #NeurosciencePodcast #academic #challenges #academia #science #ResearchFunding #AcademicCareers #PhDLife Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286Neuroscience and Beyond team:Svilen GeorgievKristina JevdokimenkoAhsen Konaç SayıcıMels AkhmetaliLaura van Agen
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Neuroscience of Social Interactions: Friendship & Theory of Mind | Raymundo Báez-Mendoza, Ph.D.
In Episode 28 of Neuroscience and Beyond, we explore the neural basis of social behavior with Raymundo Báez-Mendoza Ph.D., #neuroscientist and group leader at the German Primate Centre. From understanding trust and cooperation to decoding fear and social distance, Báez-Mendoza’s work reveals how the #brain makes sense of our most fundamental social experiences.Bridging research in humans and non-human primates, his lab uses game theory, structured behavioral tasks, and neural recordings to investigate the #cognitive and emotional processes that shape how we interact with others.In this episode, we cover:How scientists model real-life social decisions in the labThe role of the amygdala in both fear and friendshipHow memory, reputation, and authority influence behaviorWhat are Social Agent Identity Cells, and why do they matter?Insights from neural recordings during brain surgeryand more! 🎧 Curious how the brain navigates trust, memory, and connection? Watch the full episode on YouTube to explore how neuroscience is helping us understand social interaction at its most fundamental level.Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content and in-depth discussions on cutting-edge science!🔗Find us on X, Instagram, BlueSky, Spotify and other platforms https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond 🔗Link to the video: https://youtu.be/AFb4pQJC9zo#SocialNeuroscience #GameTheory #Amygdala #PrimateResearch #Neuroeconomics #CognitiveNeuroscience #TheoryOfMind #NeurosciencePodcast #BehavouralNeuroscienceSupported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286Timestamps00:00:00 – Introduction & Báez-Mendoza’s Research00:04:32 – From Mexico to Harvard: Comparing Research Cultures00:09:40 – Social Interactions & Game Theory in Humans and Monkeys00:15:56 – Training Monkeys for Social Decision-Making Tasks00:22:25 – Recording Brain Activity in Monkeys00:24:57 – Brain Regions Involved in Social Interaction00:30:14 – Fear and Friendship: Amygdala’s Dual Role00:33:34 – Memory and Social Decision-Making00:38:10 – Theory of Mind in Monkeys00:44:32 – What Are Social Agent Identity Cells?00:49:10 – Human Brain Recordings During Surgery00:54:11 – Role of Reputation and Authority in Decision-Making01:00:12 – Sex Differences in Social Behavior & Research ConstraintsNeuroscience and Beyond team:Svilen GeorgievKristina JevdokimenkoAhsen Konaç SayıcıMels AkhmetaliLaura van Agen
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Rethinking the Research Culture | Challenges in Academia with Dr. Haage #6
Dr. Verena Haage joins us for a deep and honest conversation about the systemic problems in academia, beyond just publishing or funding.We unpack the urgent need to rethink research culture, covering issues like:-Burnout, mental health, and unrealistic career expectations-The shortage of stable positions like staff scientists-Why retreats often miss opportunities for genuine connectionDr. Haage shares actionable ideas, such as creating peer spaces and a trust-based lab culture to rethink what mentorship and leadership should look like in modern science.What's your biggest frustration with research culture? Share your thoughts in the comments!💬🔗 Watch the full conversation on YouTube & follow us here: https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond #AcademicCulture #MentalHealthInScience #OpenScience #LeadershipInAcademia #PostdocCrisis #Reproducibility #ResearchReform #NeurosciencePodcastSupported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286Neuroscience and Beyond team:Svilen GeorgievKristina JevdokimenkoAhsen Konaç SayıcıMels Akhmetali
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The Brain’s Hidden Guardians: Microglia in Health and Disease | Dr. Verena Haage
Did you know your brain has its own immune system? At its core are microglia - specialized cells that defend, maintain, and shape the brain throughout life. In Episode 27 of Neuroscience and Beyond, Dr. Verena Haage, guest scientist at Charité Berlin and co-founder of SciLead, joins us to learn how these once-overlooked cells are now revolutionizing our understanding of brain development, aging, and disease.This episode unpacks how advanced tools like single-cell RNA sequencing, #transcriptomics , and #proteomics are revolutionizing microglia #research.We discuss the critical role of microglia in #neurodegeneration, the challenges and breakthroughs in studying the human brain, and the growing relevance of the exposome in brain health.You will also learn about the inspiring work behind SciLead, an initiative Dr. Haage co-founded to foster better leadership and research culture in science.Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for exciting neuroscience content.🔗To find us on BlueSky, X and Instagram:https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyondTimestamps00:00:00 In This Episode 00:00:25 Introduction 00:01:40 Dr. Haage’s Research on Microglia 00:05:10 How Were Microglia Discovered? 00:06:35 Studying Microglia in Mice 00:07:50 Sex Differences in Microglia 00:09:45 What Are Transcriptomics and Proteomics? 00:10:35 How Is Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Used? 00:17:40 What Are Microglial States? 00:20:10 Mouse vs. Human Microglia 00:21:50 How Are Human Microglia Studied? 00:31:30 Do iPSC-Derived Cells Reflect Adult Microglia? 00:33:30 Transcriptomics Costs and Lab Procedures 00:37:30 Data Challenges in Transcriptomics Research 00:40:50 Microglia’s Role in Neurodegeneration 00:47:00 Can We Image Microglia in Humans? 00:50:20 How the Exposome Affects Brain Health 00:51:50 What’s Happening to US Research Funding? 00:59:00 What Is SciLead? Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286Neuroscience and Beyond team:Svilen GeorgievKristina JevdokimenkoAhsen Konaç SayıcıMels AkhmetaliLaura van Agen
We are a team of PhD students located in Göttingen, Germany, who share a passion about neuroscience and science communication. On a monthly basis we talk with experts in neuroscience and discuss their research, career path, struggles along the way and current problems in the field. Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences, the European Neuroscience Institute in Göttingen, the Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging" in Göttingen and SFB1286 Quantitative Synaptology in Göttingen. The content of the podcast represents our personal opinions and is separate from the institutions we are working at or collaborate with.
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