Essentials: How Your Brain Functions & Interprets the World | Dr. David Berson

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. David Berson, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at Brown University and an expert on the visual system and circadian biology.

We explore how the brain processes visual information, from photons entering the eye to conscious perception in the cortex. We discuss color vision, the discovery of melanopsin and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, and how light regulates our circadian clock and melatonin release. We also examine the vestibular system's role in balance and motion detection, the cerebellum's function in motor coordination, and the midbrain's integration of multiple sensory inputs. Finally, we discuss the basal ganglia's role in decision-making and an extraordinary case of neuroplasticity in visual cortex.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

More Huberman Lab Essentials: https://hubermanlab.com/essentials

Thank you to our sponsors

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Timestamps

(00:00:00) Dr. David Berson

(00:00:30) Visual Perception, Photons & Retinal Processing, Ganglion Cells

(00:02:12) Color Vision, Wavelengths & Photoreceptors; Cones & Rods

(00:05:56) Sponsor: AGZ by AG1

(00:07:24) Melanopsin, Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells & Brightness Detection

(00:08:31) Circadian Clock & Synchronization, Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN); Master Clock Function

(00:11:16) Hypothalamus, Autonomic Nervous System & Hormonal Systems

(00:13:01) Tool: Light Exposure & Melatonin Regulation, Pineal Function

(00:14:35) Vestibular System, Balance & Motion Detection; Semicircular Canals

(00:16:44) Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, Image Stabilization & Head Rotation

(00:18:51) Sponsor: Function

(00:20:45) Motion Sickness, Visual-Vestibular Conflict; Tool: Avoiding Nausea

(00:22:24) Cerebellum, Motor Coordination & Learning

(00:23:17) Cerebellar Function, Precision & Timing of Movement; Cerebellar Ataxia

(00:24:54) Flocculus & Visual-Vestibular Integration

(00:25:56) Midbrain, Brainstem & Reflexive Behavior; Superior Colliculus

(00:28:26) Spatial Orientation & Multisensory Integration; Rattlesnake Heat Detection

(00:30:13) Sensory Integration & Corroboration

(00:31:13) Sponsor: LMNT

(00:32:45) Basal Ganglia, Go vs No-Go Behavior & Decision Making

(00:33:56) Tool: Impulse Control & Delayed Gratification, Marshmallow Test

(00:34:51) Individual Differences, Genetics & Experience

(00:35:37) Visual Cortex, Neural Processing & Brain Plasticity

(00:36:26) Cortical Reorganization, Braille Reading & Stroke Recovery

(00:39:15) David Berson's Work; Acknowledgements

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