In this episode, my guest is Dr. Terry Sejnowski, Ph.D., professor of computational neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. He is world-renowned for exploring how our brain processes and stores information and, with that understanding, for developing tools that enable us to markedly improve our ability to learn all types of information and skills. We discuss how to learn most effectively in order to truly master a subject or skill. Dr. Sejnowski explains how to use AI tools to forage for new information, generate ideas, predict the future, and assist in analyzing health data and making health-related decisions. We also explore non-AI strategies to enhance learning and creativity, including how specific types of exercise can improve mitochondrial function and cognitive performance. Listeners will gain insights into how computational methods and AI are transforming our understanding of brain function, learning, and memory, as well as the emerging roles of these tools in addressing personal health and treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Pre-order Andrew's new book, Protocols: protocolsbook.com Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Terry Sejnowski 00:02:32 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Helix Sleep 00:05:19 Brain Structure & Function, Algorithmic Level 00:11:49 Basal Ganglia; Learning & Value Function 00:15:23 Value Function, Reward & Punishment 00:19:14 Cognitive vs. Procedural Learning, Active Learning, AI 00:25:56 Learning & Brain Storage 00:30:08 Traveling Waves, Sleep Spindles, Memory 00:32:08 Sponsors: AG1 & David 00:34:57 Tool: Increase Sleep Spindles; Memory, Ambien; Prescription Drugs 00:42:02 Psilocybin, Brain Connectivity 00:45:58 Tool: ‘Learning How to Learn’ Course 00:49:36 Learning, Generational Differences, Technology, Social Media 00:58:37 Sponsors: LMNT & Joovv 01:01:06 Draining Experiences, AI & Social Media 01:06:52 Vigor & Aging, Continued Learning, Tool: Exercise & Mitochondrial Function 01:12:17 Tool: Cognitive Velocity; Quick Stressors, Mitochondria 01:16:58 AI, Imagined Futures, Possibilities 01:27:14 AI & Mapping Potential Options, Schizophrenia 01:30:56 Schizophrenia, Ketamine, Depression 01:36:15 AI, “Idea Pump,” Analyzing Research 01:42:11 AI, Medicine & Diagnostic Tool; Predicting Outcomes 01:50:04 Parkinson’s Disease; Cognitive Velocity & Variables; Amphetamines 01:59:49 Free Will; Large Language Model (LLM), Personalities & Learning 02:12:40 Tool: Idea Generation, Mind Wandering, Learning 02:18:18 Dreams, Unconscious, Types of Dreams 02:22:56 Future Projects, Brain & Self-Attention 02:31:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Full Episode
Welcome to the Huberman Lab Podcast, where we discuss science and science-based tools for everyday life. I'm Andrew Huberman, and I'm a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. My guest today is Dr. Terry Signowski. Dr. Terry Signowski is a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where he directs the Computational Neurobiology Laboratory.
And as his title suggests, he is a computational neuroscientist. That is, he uses math as well as artificial intelligence and computing methods to understand this overarching, ultra-important question of how the brain works.
Now, I realize that when people hear terms like computational neuroscience, algorithms, large language models and A.I., that it can be a bit overwhelming and even intimidating. But I assure you that the purpose of Dr. Sejnowski's work and indeed today's discussion is all about using those methods to clarify how the brain works and indeed to simplify the answer to that question.
So, for instance, today you will learn that regardless of who you are, regardless of your experience, that all your motivation in all domains of life is governed by a simple algorithm or equation. Dr. Signowski explains how a single rule, a single learning rule drives all of our motivation related behaviors. And it, of course, relates to the neuromodulator dopamine.
And if you're familiar with dopamine as a term, today you will really understand how dopamine works. to drive your levels of motivation or in some cases, lack of motivation and how to overcome that lack of motivation. Today, we also discuss how best to learn.
Dr. Sadnowski shares not just information about how the brain works, but also practical tools that he and colleagues have developed, including a zero cost online portal that teaches you how to learn better based on your particular learning style. the way that you in particular forge for information and implement that information.
Dr. Signowski also explains how he himself uses physical exercise of a particular type in order to enhance his cognition, that is his brain's ability to learn information and to come up with new ideas. Today, we also discuss both the healthy brain and the diseased brain.
in conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and how particular tools that relate to mitochondrial function can perhaps be used in order to treat various diseases, including Alzheimer's dementia. I'm certain that by the end of today's episode, you will have learned a tremendous amount of new knowledge about how your brain works and practical tools that you can implement in your daily life.
Before we begin, I'd like to emphasize that this podcast is separate from my teaching and research roles at Stanford. It is, however, part of my desire and effort to bring zero cost to consumer information about science and science-related tools to the general public. In keeping with that theme, I'd like to thank the sponsors of today's podcast. Our first sponsor is BetterHelp.
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