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Huberman Lab

Dr. Terry Sejnowski: How to Improve at Learning Using Neuroscience & AI

Huberman Lab

Scicomm Media

Science, Health & Fitness, Life Sciences

4.826.2K Ratings

🗓️ 18 November 2024

⏱️ 154 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

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

Transcript

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0:00.0

Welcome to the Huberman Lab Podcast, where we discuss science and science-based tools for everyday life.

0:08.8

I'm Andrew Huberman, and I'm a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine.

0:15.3

My guest today is Dr. Terry Sagnowski.

0:18.3

Dr. Terry Signowski is a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological

0:21.9

Studies where he directs the computational neurobiology laboratory. And as his title suggests,

0:27.4

he is a computational neuroscientist. That is, he uses math as well as artificial intelligence

0:32.5

and computing methods to understand this overarching, ultra-important question of how the brain works.

0:38.3

Now, I realize that when people hear terms like computational neuroscience, algorithms, large language models, and AI,

0:45.3

that it can be a bit overwhelming and even intimidating.

0:48.3

But I assure you that the purpose of Dr. Sainowski's work, and indeed today today's discussion is all about using those methods

0:55.2

to clarify how the brain works

0:57.4

and indeed to simplify the answer to that question.

1:00.6

So for instance, today you will learn that regardless of who you are,

1:04.4

regardless of your experience,

1:06.0

that all your motivation in all domains of life

1:09.3

is governed by a simple algorithm or equation. Dr.

1:12.9

Szygnowski explains how a single rule, a single learning rule, drives all of our motivation

1:17.9

related behaviors. And it of course relates to the neuromodulator dopamine. And if you're familiar

1:22.7

with dopamine as a term, today you will really understand how dopamine works to drive your levels of motivation

1:28.7

or in some cases lack of motivation and how to overcome that lack of motivation.

1:34.2

Today we also discuss how best to learn. Dr. Szynowski shares not just information about how

1:39.4

the brain works, but also practical tools that he and colleagues have developed, including

...

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