Speaking of the Brain

What can the brain’s ventricles tell us about how the brain develops? In this episode of Speaking of the Brain, I explore research connecting ventricular development, neural stem cells, hydrocephalus, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. We’ll look at how changes in these fluid-filled structures may offer clues about developmental processes beginning much earlier in t...

In Part 2 of "My Journey in Neuroscience", I share how my interests in neurodevelopment and kidney physiology came together through research on the kidney-brain axis in Dr. Harshman's lab at the University of Iowa. I discuss using spatial transcriptomics to investigate how pediatric chronic kidney disease may affect different regions of the developing brain and reflect on what I have...

In this episode of Speaking of the Brain, I share the story of how my journey into neuroscience research began at the University of Iowa's PEND Laboratory led by Dr. Hanna Stevens, M.D., Ph. D. From studying the placenta's role in neurodevelopment to discovering the value of curiosity, mentorship, and persistence, I reflect on the research experience that shaped my passion for becoming a p...

Description: In this episode of Speaking of the Brain, we explore BrainIAC, a new AI tool that analyzes brain MRI scans to help predict brain age, dementia risk, stroke timing, brain tumor mutations, and cancer survival. Tune in to hear about how AI may uncover hidden patterns in medical images and what this could mean for earlier detection, more personalized care, and hope for many patients. Refe...

How can a brain implant adjust itself in real time? In this episode, we explore adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), a newly FDA-approved technology that can sense abnormal brain activity and automatically respond to changing symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Learn how decades of research led to this breakthrough and how it could transform the future of neurological treatment. References: ht...

In this special episode of Speaking of the Brain, I sit down with Dr. Debebe Theodros, a neurosurgery resident at Stanford University and one of my mentors through the Harris Neuroscience Internship. We discuss Dr. Theodros’s journey into medicine and neurosurgery, the challenges of training in one of the most demanding medical specialties, and the mentors who helped shape his path. Dr. Theodros a...

How does the brain turn practice into muscle memory? In this episode, we delve into how movement and memory are encoded in the brain, as explored through the work of Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Jun Ding. Learn how neural circuits refine with practice, why skills become automatic over time, and what this research reveals about aging, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Sources: https://www.hopkinsme...

Why do New Year’s resolutions start out strong and then fizzle so fast? On this episode of Speaking of the Brain, we dive into what your brain is really doing when you try to change. From habit loops to motivation crashes to decision fatigue, we’ll explore why sticking to goals is harder than it seems and how to outsmart your own brain. Sources: https://sceniccityneurotherapy.com/why-new-years-res...

Are you “left-brained” or “right-brained”? In this episode, we take a closer look at the popular myth behind the brain dominance theory and explore what neuroscience actually says. From hemispheric specialization to the brain’s high-speed communication system, the corpus callosum, we uncover why creativity, logic, intuition, and reasoning aren’t split down the middle. Tune in for a myth-busting di...

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking “digital bridge” developed by Dr. Grégoire Courtine and Dr. Jocelyne Bloch, a wireless brain-spine interface that helps restore movement after spinal cord injury. Learn how thoughts can once again become actions through cutting-edge neurotechnology. Sources: https://www.washingtonpost.com/post-next/interactive/2025/jocelyne-bloch-gregoire-courtine/ ht...

Description: In this episode, we explore focused ultrasound–how this noninvasive technique targets deep brain circuits, how it can modulate neural activity, and why researchers see it as a breakthrough for treating conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and addiction. Sources: https://www.brightfocus.org/resource/how-focused-ultrasound-is-changing-alzheimers-treatment/ https://www.fusfoundation...

In this episode, we break down how your brain controls sleep–how it knows when to power down, what happens during each stage, and why quality rest is crucial for learning, memory, and mood. Sources: https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/education-training/public-education/sleep-and-health-education-program/sleep-health-education-48 https://www.sleepfoundation.org/stages-of-sleep https://www.hopkinsmedicin...

Kicking off our very first episode, we dive into the neuroscience of stress: what triggers it, how your brain processes it, and what happens when stress becomes a daily norm. Sources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-023-01986-4 https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00041.2006