Naked Scientists Naked Neuroscience

Naked Neuroscience

Open your mind with Naked Neuroscience, the spine-tingling, interactive monthly exploration of the workings of the nervous system from the Naked Scientists.
English United Kingdom Science
61 Episodes
1 – 20

Are smartphones bad for children?

In this episode of Naked Neuroscience, James Tytko is investigating what harms smartphones might be inflicting on adolescents. He hears from a collective action group seeking to delay giving phones to their children, neuropsychologist Richard Cytowic describes the autism-like symptoms which arise from too much screen time, and we hear…
11 Nov 30 min

Head injuries: Reducing risk and improving treatment

In this episode of Naked Neuroscience, James Tytko takes us in depth on traumatic brain injuries: assessing the risks of repeat head knocks, and shining a light on key developments in treating them. We hear from Dawn Astle, daughter of former England footballer Jeff Astle, on his dementia following a…
8 Oct 36 min

Extremist brains, and expelling traumatic memories

On Naked Neuroscience, James Tytko learns about the traits shared by extremist individuals with the help of political neuroscientist Leor Zmigrod. Also, how the genetic predispositions of your peers could change your risk of developing certain psychiatric conditions. Plus, how a new sleep therapy could be about to revolutionise how…
16 Aug 25 min

Fruit fly vision, sensing sarcasm, and social connection

In the latest Naked Neuroscience, James Tytko brings you two new pieces of research involving the use of AI. First, how machine learning has been deployed to map out the visual system of a fruit fly in all its complexity, and how feeding a neural network a diet of quips…
17 Jul 25 min

Neuro highlights: SNAP, tickles, and unpopular beliefs

For April's episode, James Tytko brings you the latest and greatest in neuroscience news and views. First, we're probing a touchy subject, finding out whether our tactile sense might be the most underappreciated of all. Then, the sequence of genes responsible for cognitive impairment in those with schizophrenia and ageing…
30 Apr 30 min

'Nostalgia ain't what it used to be,' with Charan Ranganath

This episode is an extended interview with Dr Charan Ranganath, director of the Memory and Plasticity Program and a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of California at Davis. He's also the author of the book, 'Why we remember.' James Tytko started by asking him about his love…
28 Mar 26 min

Brain chips: 'Moral imperative' or a danger to liberty?

This month, James Tytko explores the dangers of debunking fake news online with Francis Madden, and discusses ongoing developments in the neuroscience of Long COVID with Stephanie Brown. Then, following on from Elon Musk's news that his brain chip company Neuralink have successfully implanted their device into a human, we…
13 Feb 27 min

Traumatic brain injuries: Invisible wounds of war

Today, we're taking a closer look at traumatic brain injuries, TBIs. We'll be hearing from the doctors who are treating them, and a former soldier who is suffering from a host of mental health conditions as a consequence of his military service.And a bit later on, we'll find out how…
12 Jan 36 min

Diverse roots: Investigating youth mental health

This time on Naked Neuroscience, James Tytko explores the miracle of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with Stephanie Brown from the University of Cambridge, including a new innovation to decrease 'scan-xiety' amongst children. Then, we'll be investigating the complexities of the current youth mental health crisis, with the help of Susanne…
23 Nov 2023 27 min

In the brain of the beholder: Music across cultures

Kicking off a new series of Naked Neuroscience, James Tytko serves up the latest research making waves in brain science with the help of Stephanie Brown and Francis Madden. This month, the brain networks linked with addiction, and why suppressing negative thoughts might be the best way to look after…
21 Oct 2023 34 min

Inside the Mind

This month we're pondering the mysterious mind - what is it? Are us humans unique in having one? And where does the brain fit in? Plus we chat over some of the latest neuroscience news with local experts... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
23 Apr 2021 35 min

Eating for Your Nervous System

We all know that vegetables and fruits are good for us - high in fibre, lots of vitamins. But what good do they actually do the brain? Do certain foods really benefit our nervous systems? How does this work? Can food actually prevent neurological issues? Well that's what Katie Haylor…
25 Mar 2021 45 min

I'm soooo bored!

This month - we're boring into boredom! What does it mean to be bored? Should we embrace it? Should we avoid it? How do you get through it? Stick with us to find out... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
23 Feb 2021 45 min

Hallucination Science

From internal vision to things that appear to go bump in the night, we're talking about hallucinations. Plus, as usual, we're joined by our local experts to digest some of the latest neuroscience news...https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hallucinations Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
28 Jan 2021 46 min

Dogs vs Cats: the Human-Pet Relationship

It's nearly Christmas! Grab a mince pie and get comfy as this month Naked Neuroscience navigates the relationships we have with our pets. What makes some cat noises so annoying? Why are we such suckers for a cute dog? Plus, of course, some of the latest neuroscience news from our…
17 Dec 2020 36 min

A Walk in the Park

This month, take a stroll outside as Naked Neuroscience hears about the brain benefits of exercise, and the ways in which the great outdoors can do us good. Plus, as usual, we're joined by our local experts to digest some of the latest neuroscience news... Like this podcast? Please help…
20 Nov 2020 36 min

Food on the Brain

Snacking, craving and the microbiome! This month Naked Neuroscience looks at what's going on in the brain when we're hungry and thirsty... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
21 Oct 2020 44 min

Having a Laugh, Throughout Life

Last month, we considered animals at play. And this month, Katie Haylor is joined by a couple of guests to consider the importance of play in human animals - from little kids, right into adulthood... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
21 Sep 2020 42 min

Larking About: Play Science

This month and the next, we're having a laugh! We'll be getting stuck in to the science of play. What exactly is play? Why bother? And are we playing enough? Plus some of the latest from the world of neuroscience news with our local experts... Like this podcast? Please help…
25 Aug 2020 34 min

Migraine on the Brain

This month, we're digging deeper into the world of headaches, asking what's going on in the brain when a migraine occurs? And meet the stripes that can do your head in... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
19 Jul 2020 44 min
1 – 20