Chen Institute Brain & Mind Lecture

The adage "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" captures a certain truth about the brain, namely that learning and memory are constrained by the existence of so-called "critical periods."

Dr. Gül Dölen will present research that psychedelics can reopen critical periods—in other words, if you give them psychedelics, you can teach old mice (or octopuses, or humans) new tricks. Understanding psychedelics through this framework dramatically expands the scope of disorders that might benefit from adjunct therapy with psychedelics, an approach she has dubbed the PHATHOM project (Psychedelic Healing: Adjunct Therapy Harnessing Opened Malleability).

Virtual reality blurs the line between reality and illusion, granting access to otherwise inaccessible experiences. While often associated with entertainment and escapism, VR can impact much more, including communication, education, and training—and perhaps offers the chance to deepen empathy and change people’s attitudes toward environmental and social issues. Dr. Jeremy Bailenson explores the strengths and pitfalls of VR in a range of domains and helps illuminate the cognitive activities engaged in a VR experience.

Someone duct-taped a banana to a wall, called it art, and sold it for $120k. What can neuroscience tell us about aesthetic experiences? Meet neuroscientist, stage director, and 2023 Osher Fellow, Dr. Indre Viskontas as she leads us on a journey into how our brains turn sensory perceptions into meaningful and moving experiences, that can motivate us to act in accordance with our values.

In the inaugural lecture, Academy Trustee Dr. Adam Gazzaley discussed how emerging technologies can provide insight into neuroscience and how other interactive advancements—video games, augmented reality, and virtual reality—can potentially treat conditions like ADHD, dementia, and depression.