Dr. Ginger Campbell's Blog and Podcasts http://docartemis.com/blog Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:22:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/1095599http://www.feedburner.com Brain Science Podcast #41: Interview with Linguist Alice Gaby http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/docartemisblog/~3/332773011/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/07/11/brain-science-podcast-41-interview-with-linguist-alice-gaby/#comments Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:25:33 +0000 docartemis australia episode dr gaby introduces advancement fields dr gaby california berekely dr gaby alice gaby potentially intimidating subject accessible linguistics important the aboriginal languages linguistics talk http://docartemis.com/blog/?p=107 Episode 41 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Alice Gaby, PhD, from the University of California-Berekely. Dr. Gaby is a linguist who studies the role of language in cognition as well as the aboriginal languages of Australia. In this episode Dr. Gaby introduces some of the basic areas of linguistics. We [...]

Episode 41 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Alice Gaby, PhD, from the University of California-Berekely. Dr. Gaby is a linguist who studies the role of language in cognition as well as the aboriginal languages of Australia. In this episode Dr. Gaby introduces some of the basic areas of linguistics. We also talk about why linguistics is important to understanding brain function, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary communication to advancement in both fields. Dr. Gaby’s infectious enthusiasm makes this potentially intimidating subject accessible to everyone.

Listen to Episode 41 of the Brain Science Podcast

Visit the Brain Science Podcast website for more information, including detailed show notes and links.

]]> http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/07/11/brain-science-podcast-41-interview-with-linguist-alice-gaby/feed/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/07/11/brain-science-podcast-41-interview-with-linguist-alice-gaby/ Books and Ideas Podcast #21: Interview with Eugenie Scott http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/docartemisblog/~3/323476614/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/06/30/books-and-ideas-podcast-21-interview-with-eugenie-scott/#comments Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:19:19 +0000 docartemis interviewed expelled and expelled exposed evolution scientifically valid accepting evolution focused creationism and so called intelligent design valuable called expelled exposed the evolution versus creationism controversy school curriculum recently the ncse launched a the public schools dr scott and the ncse mystifying book evolution vs creationism http://docartemis.com/blog/?p=106 Eugenie Scott, the Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, was interviewed in Episode 21 of Books and Ideas. The focus of our conversation was the importance of teaching evolution in the public schools. Dr. Scott and the NCSE have worked for over 20 years to promote the teaching of evolution because [...] Eugenie Scott, the Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, was interviewed in Episode 21 of Books and Ideas. The focus of our conversation was the importance of teaching evolution in the public schools. Dr. Scott and the NCSE have worked for over 20 years to promote the teaching of evolution because it is an essential component of a modern education in the life sciences. Unfortunately, nearly 150 years after Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (1859) many Americans still reject this fundamental idea and much of Scott’s work is focused on trying to keep creationism and so-called Intelligent Design out of school curriculum.

Recently the NCSE launched a very valuable site called Expelled Exposed, which focuses on exposing the many inaccuracies presented in Ben Stein’s recent pro-intelligent design “documentary” Expelled. One of the things that has come out in numerous interviews is that the producers of the film mislead all the pro-evolution guests that appear in the film. We discuss this briefly near the end of the interview, but it was not the focus of our discussion. (see below for more links regarding Expelled)

Since Dr. Scott has been interviewed about Expelled and Expelled Exposed on several other podcasts, I wanted to focus our interview more on the importance of accurate science education. Also, we discussed the fact that despite the claims of right-wing fundamentalists there are many Christians and people of other faiths who accept the theory of evolution as scientifically valid. Accepting evolution does not mean one is choosing atheism. I think this is a very important distinction because while atheists are outspoken in their support of evolution they represent a small minority. I was encouraged to learn from Dr. Scott that the NCSE is working closely with religious leaders and scientists of faith to try to educate their members.

Since Books and Ideas reaches an international audience I thought that it was important that we discuss the origins of the evolution versus creationism controversy, which is unique to the United States. Scott does an excellent job of explaining how our unique religious heritage along with our locally controlled school systems combine to create a situation that most of the world find’s rather mystifying. Her book Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction also provides an excellent overview of the subject from both an historical and scientific prospective.

Finally, we talk about the importance of evolution as a basic idea in modern biology. While we didn’t dwell on this, I think we are both concerned about the implications for the future if a majority of young Americans are reaching college without a solid foundation in the principles of evolution. We also talked about why intelligent design fails to meet the basic definition of a scientific theory since it provides no testable hypotheses. Dr. Scott also provides a excellent review of the basic writings for those who want to learn more.

Listen to Dr. Scott’s Interview

Visit the Books and Ideas website for links and references.

]]> http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/06/30/books-and-ideas-podcast-21-interview-with-eugenie-scott/feed/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/06/30/books-and-ideas-podcast-21-interview-with-eugenie-scott/ Brain Science Podcast #40: Third Semi-annual Review Episode http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/docartemisblog/~3/321403178/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/06/27/brain-science-podcast-40-third-semi-annual-review-episode/#comments Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:11:08 +0000 docartemis talked numerous topics including brain plasticity intended listeners and long time subscribers listen detailed notes including links explored the practical implications neuroscience including the importance smell talked sleep and exercise language brain rhythms http://docartemis.com/blog/?p=105 Episode 40 of the Brain Science Podcast is a look back at the highlights from the last six months. We have talked about numerous topics including brain plasticity, mirror neurons, language, brain rhythms, and the sense of smell. We talked with 9 guests and we have also explored the practical implications of neuroscience, including [...] Episode 40 of the Brain Science Podcast is a look back at the highlights from the last six months. We have talked about numerous topics including brain plasticity, mirror neurons, language, brain rhythms, and the sense of smell. We talked with 9 guests and we have also explored the practical implications of neuroscience, including the importance of sleep and exercise to brain health. This brief review episode is intended for both new listeners and long-time subscribers.

Listen to Episode 40

For detailed show notes including links to all the resources discussed in the episode

please visit the Brain Science Podcast website

]]> http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/06/27/brain-science-podcast-40-third-semi-annual-review-episode/feed/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/06/27/brain-science-podcast-40-third-semi-annual-review-episode/ Brain Science Podcast #39: Michael Arbib on Mirror Neurons http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/docartemisblog/~3/311240025/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/06/13/brain-science-podcast-39-michael-arbib-on-mirror-neurons/#comments Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:43:58 +0000 docartemis noam chomsky dr arbib mirror neuron system plos biol 3 3 proposed an inborn universal grammar giacomo rizzolatti and corrado sinigaglia 2008 the author studies mirror neurons team discovered mirror neurons classic inspired dr arbib giacomo rizzolatti scientists mentioned http://docartemis.com/blog/?p=103 Episode 39 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Dr. Michael Arbib from the University of Southern California. Dr. Arbib’s work with functional brain imaging has established the presence of mirror neurons in the human brain. In our interview we focused on the role of mirror neurons in imitation and language. In [...] Episode 39 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Dr. Michael Arbib from the University of Southern California. Dr. Arbib’s work with functional brain imaging has established the presence of mirror neurons in the human brain. In our interview we focused on the role of mirror neurons in imitation and language. In particular I questioned Dr. Arbib about the Mirror System Hypothesis (MSH) of Language Evolution that he proposed in 1998 with Giacomo Rizzolatti. We also explored how this hypothesis diverges from the universal grammar proposed by Noam Chomsky. Dr. Arbib also shared his enthusiasm for future research and we talked about the special challenges caused by the interdisciplinary nature of modern neuroscience.

Listen to the Interview

Related Episodes:

Click here for  detailed show notes including links and references

]]> http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/06/13/brain-science-podcast-39-michael-arbib-on-mirror-neurons/feed/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/06/13/brain-science-podcast-39-michael-arbib-on-mirror-neurons/ Brain Science Podcast #38: Interview with Jeff Hawkins “On Intelligence” http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/docartemisblog/~3/301313410/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/30/brain-science-podcast-38-interview-with-jeff-hawkins-on-intelligence/#comments Fri, 30 May 2008 15:07:20 +0000 docartemis founded jeff hawkins numenta the mindful brain gerald m edelman and vernon b mountcastle 2006 listen dr campbell interview jeff hawkins links and references the prototype implementing the hierarchical temporal memory neuroscience current company numenta and helped develop the palm trio smartphone co founder numenta and principal architect intelligence jeff hawkins http://docartemis.com/blog/?p=102 Episode 38 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Jeff Hawkins, author of On Intelligence. Hawkins is well-known for founding Palm Computing and Handspring. He invented the Grafitti handwriting recognition system and helped develop the Palm Trio SmartPhone. Since he published his bestseller On Intelligence, he has devoted his work to his [...] Jeff Hawkins Episode 38 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Jeff Hawkins, author of On Intelligence. Hawkins is well-known for founding Palm Computing and Handspring. He invented the Grafitti handwriting recognition system and helped develop the Palm Trio SmartPhone. Since he published his bestseller On Intelligence, he has devoted his work to his passion for neuroscience. His current company Numenta is developing software that models the hierarchal structure of the neocortex. In this interview we talk about the ideas in Hawkins book and how he is applying them to develop a computer model of cortical function. This is a follow-up to Episode 2, which first aired in December of 2006.

Listen to Dr. Campbell interview Jeff Hawkins.

Links and References:

Jeff Hawkins: wikipedia entry

Vernon Montcastle: pioneer who proposed that all parts of the brain’s cortex work the same way.

  • Vernon Mountcastle (1978), “An Organizing Principle for Cerebral Function: The Unit Model and the Distributed System”, The Mindful Brain (Gerald M. Edelman and Vernon B. Mountcastle, eds.) Cambridge, MA: MIT Press (Please let me know if you find this paper on-line!)
  • Perceptual Neuroscience: The Cerebral Cortex by Vernon B. Mountcastle. This 1998 is recommended by Jeff Hawkins, especially for those interested in the technical details of cortical function.

Redwood Institute for Theoretical Neuroscience (UC-Berkeley) founded by Jeff Hawkins

Numenta: company website includes extensive educational information about hierarchical temporal memory system (HTM). The company’s focus is practical implementation of HTM Theory.

Listen to Episode 38

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]]> http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/30/brain-science-podcast-38-interview-with-jeff-hawkins-on-intelligence/feed/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/30/brain-science-podcast-38-interview-with-jeff-hawkins-on-intelligence/ Books and Ideas Podcast #20: Mindfulness with Delany Dean, PhD http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/docartemisblog/~3/299489022/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/28/books-and-ideas-podcast-20-mindfulness-with-delany-dean-phd/#comments Wed, 28 May 2008 01:49:26 +0000 docartemis forensic psychologist delany dean cofounder the insight meditation society insight meditation society learn mindfulness treating obsessive compulsive disorder ocd feels mindfulness meditation favorites insight meditation meditation and dr dean explains meditation sharon salzberg http://docartemis.com/blog/?p=101 Episode 20 of Books and Ideas is an interview with forensic psychologist Delany Dean, PhD. Dr. Dean began her career as a criminal lawyer but his interest in the mind and the brain lead her to a second career as a clinical psychologist. Besides forensic psyschology she has extensive experience with therapies based on the [...] Delany DeanEpisode 20 of Books and Ideas is an interview with forensic psychologist Delany Dean, PhD. Dr. Dean began her career as a criminal lawyer but his interest in the mind and the brain lead her to a second career as a clinical psychologist. Besides forensic psyschology she has extensive experience with therapies based on the use of mindfulness meditation. In this interview, Dr. Campbell and Dr. Dean share there personal experiences with meditation, and Dr. Dean explains why she feels mindfulness meditation provides a extremely valuable tool for helping people deal with a wide range of problems, including the stress that we all face from time to time. They also give practical advise for listeners interested in beginning a mindfulness practice.

Listen to Delany Dean’s Interview.

Links and References:

Mind Expressions: Delany’s Dean’s blog

Teachers and Scientists mentioned in the interview:

Books and Other Resources for Beginners:

You can find more references at the Brain Science Podcast Discussion Forum where there is on-going thread devoted to meditation and the Brain. There is also a section for discussing episodes of Books and Ideas.

Listen to Episode 20

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]]> http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/28/books-and-ideas-podcast-20-mindfulness-with-delany-dean-phd/feed/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/28/books-and-ideas-podcast-20-mindfulness-with-delany-dean-phd/ Brain Science Podcast #37: “Brain Rules” with Dr. John Medina http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/docartemisblog/~3/291734023/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/16/brain-science-podcast-37-brain-rules-with-dr-john-medina/#comments Fri, 16 May 2008 15:47:13 +0000 docartemis john medina speaking extensive references and instructive videos youtube™ video dvd john medina the book john medina dr john medina reformed utilize the growing knowledge compiling sufficient experimental data surviving and thriving http://docartemis.com/blog/?p=100 John Medina, PhD Episode 37 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Dr. John Medina, author of Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School. We talk about how exercise, sleep, and stress effect our brains with an emphasis on practical advice for healthier brain function. We also look [...] John Medina, PhD

Episode 37 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Dr. John Medina, author of Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School. We talk about how exercise, sleep, and stress effect our brains with an emphasis on practical advice for healthier brain function. We also look at how research on memory, vision and the brain’s attention system suggests how we can improve our ability to learn and our ability to share ideas with others.

Dr. Medina’s focus is on considering real world examples of how our schools and work environments could be reformed to utilize the growing knowledge of neuroscience. But he also stresses the importance of compiling sufficient experimental data before embarking on new programs.

Listen to Episode 37 now (left click to listen, right click to download mp3).

Links and References:

Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School (Book & DVD) by John Medina

The book’s website contain extensive references and instructive videos.

YouTube Video of John Medina speaking at Google™.

Listen to Brain Science Podcast #37

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]]> http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/16/brain-science-podcast-37-brain-rules-with-dr-john-medina/feed/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/16/brain-science-podcast-37-brain-rules-with-dr-john-medina/ Could the eye have evolved? The answer is YES! http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/docartemisblog/~3/287702002/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/10/could-the-eye-have-evolved-the-answer-is-yes/#comments Sat, 10 May 2008 21:26:18 +0000 docartemis http://docartemis.com/blog/?p=99 I have been meaning to recommend the excellent website Expelled Exposed, which documents all the lies and misleading statements in Ben’s Stein’s creationist “documentary,” Exposed. A central claim is that professors who believe in intelligent design are being persecuted, a claim that is totally unfounded. Expelled Exposed was created by the National Center for Science [...] I have been meaning to recommend the excellent website Expelled Exposed, which documents all the lies and misleading statements in Ben’s Stein’s creationist “documentary,” Exposed. A central claim is that professors who believe in intelligent design are being persecuted, a claim that is totally unfounded. Expelled Exposed was created by the National Center for Science Education. You can hear an excellent interview with Director Eugenie Scott on the April 9th episode of Science Talk, Scientific American’s podcast.

One of the claims that is popular with ID proponents is the idea that the eye is too complex to have been the product of evolution. Actually, as was pointed in David Bainbridge’s excellent book, Beyond the Zonules of Zinn: A Fantastic Journey Through Your Brain, nothing could be further from the truth, because there is evidence that eyes have actually evolved a surprising number of times. (For more on Bainbridge’s book listen to Episode 32 of the Brain Science Podcast.)

To learn more about the evidence for the evolution of the eye check out this new video which NCSE has posted on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOtP7HEuDYA

]]> http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/10/could-the-eye-have-evolved-the-answer-is-yes/feed/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/10/could-the-eye-have-evolved-the-answer-is-yes/ Brain Science Podcast #36: Art Glenberg discusses Embodied Cognition http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/docartemisblog/~3/282264627/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/02/brain-science-podcast-36-art-glenberg-discusses-embodied-cognition/#comments Fri, 02 May 2008 17:49:05 +0000 docartemis rooted perceptual and motor abilities dr glenberg facial experiments affect mood and cognition references phd embodied cognition dr glenberg arthur glenberg asu edu laboratory language comprehension psychonomic bulletin amp amy needham and amanda woodard experiments glenberg more papers essays george lakoff written http://docartemis.com/blog/?p=91 Art Glenberg, PhD Episode 36 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Arthur Glenberg, PhD about embodied cognition. Dr. Glenberg recently moved to Arizona State University after over 30 years at the University of Wisconsin’s Laboratory of Embodied Cognition. His research focuses on the relationship between embodiment and language. In this interview we explore [...] Art Glenberg, PhD

Episode 36 of the Brain Science Podcast is an interview with Arthur Glenberg, PhD about embodied cognition. Dr. Glenberg recently moved to Arizona State University after over 30 years at the University of Wisconsin’s Laboratory of Embodied Cognition. His research focuses on the relationship between embodiment and language. In this interview we explore the experimental evidence for a theory of language that embraces the concept that our language abilities are actually rooted in our perceptual and motor abilities. Dr. Glenberg also explains how his work has practical implications in helping children learn how to read.

Since Dr. Glenberg has had a long career as a working research scientist, this interview also provided an opportunity to explore how scientific hypotheses are formed and how experiments are designed to test these hypothesis. I think this interview will give you a fascinating look into the real world of cognitive psychology.

Listen to Dr. Glenberg’s Interview (left click to listen, right click to download)

Links and References:

Arthur Glenberg, PhD

Other Scientists Mentioned in the Episode:

  • George Lakoff: pioneering linguist
  • James Gibson-known for his ideas about affordances
  • William Epstein-emeritus professor at the University of Wisconsin
  • Joseph Campos: University of California (Berkelely)
  • Amy Needham and Amanda Woodard-experiments with velcro mits and infant cognition
  • David A Havas: graduate student and co-author with Dr. Glenberg
  • Mike Kashak: Florida State University
  • Mike Rinck: German co-author-see paper under Glenberg (more papers)
  • Vittorio Gallese, Dept of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Italy (where mirror neurons were discovered): extensive experimental with motor neurons in monkeys
  • Fritz Stack (Germany): experiments showing that facial experiments affect mood and cognition

References:

Listen to Dr. Glenberg’s Interview (left click to listen, right click to download)

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]]> http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/02/brain-science-podcast-36-art-glenberg-discusses-embodied-cognition/feed/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/05/02/brain-science-podcast-36-art-glenberg-discusses-embodied-cognition/ Transcript of György Buzsáki’s Interview is now On-line http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/docartemisblog/~3/279036012/ http://docartemis.com/blog/2008/04/27/90/#comments Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:49:02 +0000 docartemis listener diane jacobs blog humanantigravitysuit blogspot com györgy buzsáki visit diane neuroscience diane book rhythms the transcript be a transcript http://docartemis.com/blog/?p=90 Episode 31 of the Brain Science Podcast was a challenging interview with György Buzsáki about his book Rhythms of the Brain. Thanks to listener Diane Jacobs we now have a transcript available for Episode 31. Click here for the transcript. Be sure to visit Diane’s Blog at http://humanantigravitysuit.blogspot.com/. When it comes to reading books about neuroscience, Diane [...] Episode 31 of the Brain Science Podcast was a challenging interview with György Buzsáki about his book Rhythms of the Brain. Thanks to listener Diane Jacobs we now have a transcript available for Episode 31.

Click here for the transcript.

Be sure to visit Diane’s Blog at http://humanantigravitysuit.blogspot.com/. When it comes to reading books about neuroscience, Diane makes me feel like a slacker.

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