This month's episode of Brain Science features Mark Humphries, author of The Spike: An Epic Journey Through the Brain in 2.1 Seconds. We explore how the brain uses electrical signaling in surprising ways, beginning with a look at how an action potential (aka. "the spike") is produced. Then we consider what Humphries calls "the dark neurons," which are neurons that rarely generate spikes. We explore their role and also how it relates to the brain's spontaneous activity. One of the more surprising recent discoveries in neuroscience is that most of the brain's activity does not appear to be caused by external stimuli. It is not a passive receiver of information and this has profound implications for our understanding of things like how the brain generates conscious experience.

This episode is for listeners of all backgrounds.

How to get this episode:

• FREE: audio mp3 (click to stream, right click to download)

• Episode Transcript: Buy for $3:50 or

  • click here if you are a Premium Subscriber. 

  • Click here if you are a Patreon supporter.

• Premium Subscribers have unlimited access to ALL old episodes and transcripts, as well as extra content for selected episodes. All content is available browser or the free Brain Science mobile app.

• Patreon supporters have access to new transcripts ($3+/month) and ad-free audio files ($10+/month). You can also access your bonus content via the free Patreon mobile app.

• New episodes of Brain Science are ALWAYS FREE. The most recent 50+ episodes are also free. See the individual show notes for links to the audio files.

Important Reminder:

Patreon supporters need to go to Your Memberships to update their tiers (>$3/month for transcripts or >$10/month for ad-free audio).

Links and References:

• The Spike: An Epic Journey Through the Brain in 2.1 Seconds by Mark Humphries

• Humphries Lab at the University of Nottingham

• Surfing Uncertainty: Prediction, Action, and the Embodied Mind by Andy Clark (BS 126)

• See episode transcript for additional references.

Please Visit Our Sponsors:

• TextExpander at textexpander.com/podcast

• NordVPN at nordvpn.com/brainscience

Announcements:

• Brain Science comes out on 4th Friday each month.

• Support Brain Science by buying Are You Sure? The Unconscious Origins of Certainty by Virginia "Ginger" Campbell, MD. (Autographed copies are available)

• Learn more ways to support Brain Science at http://brainsciencepodcast.com/donations

• Sign up for the free Brain Science Newsletter to get show notes automatically every month. You can also text brainscience to 55444 to sign up.

• Check out the free Brain Science Mobile app for iOS, Android, and Windows. (It's a great way to get both new episodes and premium content.)

• Send email to brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com or post voice feedback at http://speakpipe.com/docartemis.

Connect on Social Media:

• Twitter: @docartemis

• Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/brainsciencepodcast

Contact Dr. Campbell:

• Email: brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com

• Voicemail: http://speakpipe.com/docartemis