brain imaging | Up Close

#369 39 min 00 sec
The necessity of kindness: Altruism in animals and beyond

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Evolutionary biologist and historian of science Prof Lee Dugatkin joins Dr Andi Horvath to discuss displays of altruism in insects, animals and humans, and how the often harsh evolutionary imperatives of survival can actually accommodate, promote or depend on acts of kindness and justice.

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#368 31 min 43 sec
Decision neuroscience: Emerging insights into the way we choose

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Decision science researcher Prof Peter Bossaerts argues that investigating brain activity as we make decisions is generating new insights into how we deal with uncertainty and risk. Once the domain of economists and psychologists, the study of human decision-making is increasingly taking a neuron-level view, with implications well beyond economics and finance. Presented by Eric van Bemmel.

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#360 29 min 26 sec
Can't give it up: The science behind addiction and the brain

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Behavioral neuroscientist Prof Andrew Lawrence joins host Dr Andi Horvath to discuss addictive and compulsive behaviors around drug and alcohol use, the power of psychological dependence, and how the brains of addicts differ from those of the rest of us.

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#354 34 min 17 sec
Brain in a dish: The therapeutic potential of stem cells and organoids

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Epilepsy researcher Steve Petrou and developmental neuroscientist Mirella Dottori discuss the potential of organoids -- miniature immature organs grown in dishes -- for future epilepsy and autism research. Presented by Dr Andi Horvath.

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#332 22 min 07 sec
MRI: Window into the brain

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, has revolutionized modern medicine, allowing us to see detailed structure of the human brain. PhD students Charles Malpas and Bernd Merkel discuss their research into applying MRI as a tool to investigate diseased and healthy brains to help fine tune our understanding of how the brain works. Presented by Sila Genc.

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#303 31 min 15 sec
Brain of the beholder: The neuroscience of beauty

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Doyen of the field of neuroesthetics Prof Semir Zeki explains the neuronal behavior that underlies perceptions of ‘beauty’. Presented by Dr Dyani Lewis.

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#291 26 min 08 sec
Brains at risk: The curious link between strokes and Alzheimer’s disease

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World authority on strokes and post-stroke care Prof Vladimir Hachinski discusses how strokes can amplify the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and vice versa, and how lifestyle factors can be protective against both. Presented by Dr Dyani Lewis.

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#265 29 min 12 sec
Brain traces: Neurobiology's emerging insights into schizophrenia and its treatment

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Molecular biologist Prof Brian Dean talks about how both post-mortem and live imaging investigations of brain biology are helping to identify new treatment targets for the multifaceted condition of schizophrenia. Presented by Dr Shane Huntington.

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