neuroscene's Podcast

Psychiatry and the Therapeutic State: A Conversation with Dr. Thomas Szasz

Sun, 31 May 2009 22:43:00 GMT

When he published The Myth of Mental Illness in 1961, Thomas Szasz launched the first salvo in what would become a lifelong criticism of psychiatry and what he has referred to as the âtherapeutic state.â And with the recent publication of his new book, Psychiatry: The Science of Lies, Dr. Szasz demonstrates that he has not wavered a bit from his views that human behaviors are miscategorized as "mental diseases" and that psychiatry âmedicalizesâ human conditions and practices coercion under the guise of treatment.

In this podcast, we get a chance to hear from Dr. Szasz himself on a variety of topics including the nature of mental illness, the history of medicalizing nondiseases, and the emerging political and social forces that are currently shaping our healthcare system. Join us in this fascinating discussion where Dr. Szasz reflects upon the impact he has made on the field of psychiatry and on the legacy he hopes to have established.

Cosmetic Neurology and the Ethics of Brain Enhancement

Fri, 8 May 2009 02:49:00 GMT

Advancements in neuroscience have enabled physicians to successfully restore the mental functioning of patients with severe cognitive, mood, and motor disorders. But many of these same therapies can also produce significant mental gains in normal, healthy individuals. This has created a rapidly growing demand for âsmart drugsâ that have the potential to greatly enhance the mental performance of people over and above what is considered normal or average.

In this podcast, we speak with Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, Professor of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvaniaâs Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, and one of the leading researchers in the area of human cognition and the neuroethics of brain enhancement. Be sure to tune in as we talk about the emerging field of âcosmetic neurologyâ and how this could very well be the next frontier in elective medicine.

The Neuroscience of Magic and Illusion

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:20:00 GMT

Perception is indeed reality when it comes to what we see. And nowhere is this more apparent than during a magical act. But beneath all the showmanship and flair, these artists are actually triggering complex neuroscientific processes which help create the seemingly impossible on stage.

In this podcast, we speak with Dr. Susana Martinez-Conde of the Barrow Neurological Institute, and Founding Member and Executive Chair of the Neural Correlate Society. Dr. Martinez-Conde is a recognized expert in the field of visual neuroscience who has been leading key research in the area of visual illusions. Most recently, Dr. Martinez-Conde's work has been featured in Scientific American ("Magic and the Brain") and in Nature Review Neuroscience ("Attention and awareness in stage magic: turning tricks into research"). The latter was co-authored with Dr. Stephen Macknik as well as with the professional magicians Mac King, James Randi, Apollo Robbins, Teller, and John Thompson.

Be sure to join us as we talk about the fascinating subject of human visual perception and put a spotlight on how magicians manipulate human attention and awareness to both entertain and delight us.

The Psychology of the Con

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:37:00 GMT

Confidence scams have been around since time immemorial. And while we like to think of ourselves as intelligent and "street smart," we're still quite willing to place our complete trust in total strangers with regards to such cherished items as our time and our money. Why is that?

In this podcast, we are delighted to once again feature Dr. Paul Zak, the founding Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University and author of the Moral Molecule blog. Dr. Zak and I discuss the role of the hormone oxytocin in the development of the human emotions of trust and empathy. In addition, we talk about how con artists engage The Human Oxytocin Mediated Attachment System (THOMAS) and hijack it for the purposes of meeting their needs at our expense.

Join us as we delve into the neuroscience of human trust and explain exactly why we are so susceptible to the machinations of these "unconditional nonreciprocators."

The Neuroscience of Psi Perception

Sat, 3 Jan 2009 21:12:00 GMT

Very few areas areas of psychology generate such high levels of both excitement and skepticism as the study of anomalous perception, or "psi" phenomena. And given how hype and speculation of psi phenomena have often taken the place of serious scientific examination, the skeptics are certainly justified in their criticisms. Nevertheless, there are a few scientists who are willing to brave this area of research in an attempt to critically examine whether or not psi phenomena are measurable - or perhaps even learnable.

In this podcast, we speak with Dr. Julia Mossbridge, a Visiting Scholar at the Visual Perception, Cognition, and Neuroscience Laboratory at Northwestern University. Dr. Mossbridge is currently examining psi phenomena from a perceptual neuroscience approach and attempting to identify types that can actually be measured and quantified.

Join us as we review the current research in this field and discuss the areas of psi phenomena that show the most potential.

Social Neuroscience: Measuring and Quantifying Human Empathy

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:27:00 GMT

One of the most exciting areas of neuroscience involves the exploration of the biological and physiological underpinnings of human social interaction. And as researchers discover more and more about the critical role that mirror neurons appear to play in our lives, the relatively new field of âsocial neuroscienceâ is rapidly becoming the central front from which we examine how the brain influences social behavior, and vice versa.

In this podcast, we speak with Dr. Carl Marci who is the Director of Social Neuroscience for the Psychotherapy Research Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Marci is involved with some of the most advanced research that focuses on measuring and quantifying the human emotion of empathy.

Be sure to listen in on this podcast where we discuss a promising new development in the one of the hottest areas of neuroscience today.

Sensory Specific Satiety: The Real Key to Successful Weight Loss?

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:39:00 GMT

Back in March of 2007, we interviewed Dr. Alan Hirsch of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, located here in Chicago. Dr. Hirsch is one of the worldâs leading authorities on the science of smell and taste, and we had an opportunity to discuss the complex effects that these two senses exert over our everyday lives.

We caught up with Dr. Hirsch about a month ago, and weâre very excited to report on some of the new developments at his research center. For quite some time, Dr. Hirsch has been studying how our senses of smell and taste might have a role in regulating our food intake and our sense of satiety â or our feeling of being âfullâ and âsatisfied.â

Join us as we visit once again with Dr. Hirsch and talk more about the science and commerce of smell and taste.

Happiness and Psychological Wealth: What are the Keys to Subjective Well Being?

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:10:00 GMT

It seems as if everywhere you look thereâs a new book being published or a new âexpertâ on the talk show circuit telling us how to find happiness in our lives. Indeed, the âfeel goodâ industry is flourishing and sales of self-help books and CDs that promise a more fulfilling life have never been higher. However, few researchers have devoted their entire careers to scientifically exploring exactly what it is that promotes âsubjective well-beingâ in humans.

In this podcast, we speak with Robert Biswas-Diener, Program Director at the Center for Applied Positive Psychology (UK) and co-author of Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth. Robert and his father Dr. Ed Diener, who collaborated on this publication, are two of the worldâs foremost experts on the science of happiness.

Be sure to join us as we take an in-depth look at the components that make up true psychological wealth in humans. The real key to having a truly happy and fulfilling life will definitely surprise you.

Mirror Neurons: How Do We Connect with Others Through These "Smart Cells?"

Fri, 30 May 2008 05:02:00 GMT

To many in the neuroscience community, mirror neurons represent the biggest discovery of the past twenty years. These âsmart cells,â which activate when we perform actions and when we see other people performing the same or complementary actions, seem to provide us with a common neurobiologic dynamic for our understanding of how we learn, empathize, and interact socially and culturally with other human beings at a fundamental level. In addition, mirror neurons may also be the key to understanding and treating a variety of social interaction disorders such as autism, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

In this podcast, we speak with Dr. Marco Iacoboni, Director of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Lab at the Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Iacoboni is currently leading some of the most advanced research on the human mirror neuron system and its role in both social behavior and social disorders.

Be sure to listen in on this provocative interview where we discuss Dr. Iacoboniâs new book, Mirroring People: The New Science of How We Connect with Others (May 2008, Farrar, Straus and Giroux), and delve into the fascinating details of one of the most exciting new areas of scientific discovery.

The Psychology of Overspending

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:26:00 GMT

Personal credit card debt in the United States has doubled since 2004, and personal bankruptcies are at the highest rates ever. And despite unprecedented levels of economic growth and wealth creation, the median American family has less than $10,000 in assets. This begs the question, âWhere has all the money gone?"

The unvarnished truth is that many Americans spend and continue to spend well beyond their means, in essence mortgaging their futures for the temporary convenience of the present. And as the U.S. housing crisis continues to intensify, these same individuals are finding themselves in an increasingly precarious financial predicament brought on by years of unchecked consumptive habits.

In this program, we speak with Dr. Tahira K. Hira of Iowa State University. Dr. Hira is internationally known for her research in consumer bankruptcy, consumer credit, and the social and psychological aspects of borrowing among middle and high income Americans as well as the impact of gambling and credit use on family financial well-being.

Join us in this timely and insightful conversation where we explore the key factors that influence peopleâs buying and borrowing behavior and help explain why people overspend in the first place.

Virtual Worlds & False Identities: Social Media or Social Pathology?

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:42:00 GMT

As communications technologies such as Second Life become more and more sensory and interactive, human beings are increasingly being forced to navigate environments that consistently blur the lines between fantasy and reality. And while most industry analysts praise this next big wave of "social media" a growing number of neuroscientists are critically analyzing how these "false identities" might impact us in our "real-life" interactions and relationships.

In this podcast, we are delighted to feature Baroness Susan Greenfield, one of the world's leading brain researchers and the author of the upcoming book, ID The Quest for Identity in the 21st Century (May 2008, Hodder & Stoughton). As the Director of The Royal Institution of Great Britain and professor of pharmacology at Oxford University, her research and writing have advanced our understanding of the workings of the human brain and have stimulated public understanding of, and appreciation for, that most complex of human organs. And as one of Great Britain's most popular and recognizable public figures, Baroness Greenfield has been instrumental in communicating the critical notion that the human brain is not only highly adaptive to our changing technological landscape, but also highly vulnerable to it as well.

Be sure to tune into this thought-provoking interview where we look at the latest science of human/technology interaction and examine how these emerging âvirtual worlds" are increasingly shaping the human identity.

Cold Water and Mood Enhancement: A New Potential Therapy for Depression?

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:48:00 GMT

Hydrotherapy, or the medicinal use of water, has long been utilized by both traditional and alternative medicine to treat a variety of physical ailments. However, recent scientific studies have suggested that cold water therapies might be effective in the treatment of mood disorders such as depression â and that there might actually be an evolutionary basis to this.

In this program, we speak with Dr. Nikolai Shevchuk, author of the November 2007 study, Adapted Cold Shower as a Potential Treatment for Depression. Dr. Shevchukâs work has been instrumental in identifying and explaining how cold temperatures activate specific areas of the brain that appear to be involved with the regulation of mood in humans.

Join us as we explore the hard science of cold water therapy and examine how our current âambient temperature" lifestyle might potentially be a factor in our mood states.

Convection Enhanced Delivery: Brain Drug Therapy Through Direct Tissue Infusion

Sat, 1 Dec 2007 04:39:00 GMT

In our previous podcast on the blood brain barrier, we explored the issues and challenges involved with delivering therapeutic compounds into the brain. And while both big pharma and academic neuroscience continue to disregard the limiting factors of the blood brain barrier, a few pioneering companies are tackling this issue head on.

In this segment, we speak with Stephan Mittermeyer of BrainLAB, a medical equipment company headquartered in Munich, Germany. Stephanâs group has developed an integrated approach to circumventing the blood brain barrier that involves a process known as convection enhanced delivery, or CED. Join us as we explore BrainLABâs innovative technique for delivering drugs directly into the brain â one that is as much a tale of physics and engineering as it is of biology.

Are Male and Female Color Preferences Hard Wired?

Thu, 1 Nov 2007 03:46:00 GMT

When two neuroscientists at Newcastle University in Great Britain published the results of their study in the August 21, 2007 edition of the journal Current Biology, they were quite surprised at the strong reaction and scrutiny from the media and the general public. And what exactly was it that courted such controversy? Specifically, Dr. Anya Hurlbert and Dr. Yazhu Ling reported research findings that seemed to indicate that there might be consistent and predictable differences in color preferences between men and women. However, what really âfanned the flames" was the speculation that these sex differences might be evolutionary and based upon sex-specific behaviors likely practiced by our ancestors.

In this podcast, we go beyond the superficial controversy and instead delve into the fascinating details of how humans process and perceive color â and how we might indeed be hardwired to perceive it in different ways. Join us for a fascinating and dynamic discussion with Dr. Ling where we explore the real story at a much deeper and more scientific level.

Virtual Reality and Rehabilitation: Brain-Computer Interfaces as Therapeutic Tools

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 03:28:00 GMT

Whenever the topic of virtual reality comes up, we tend to automatically think of video games or science fiction movies. But separate from all this hype and fantasy are dedicated scientists who are using virtual reality applications to enhance the lives of people suffering from a wide array of neurological ailments. And the key factor driving this interest in virtual reality lies in the fact that virtual reality is much more than merely a visual phenomenon.

In this program we speak with Dr. Emily Keshner, Professor and Chair, Department of Physical Therapy and Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Temple University. Dr. Keshner is leading research at the state-of-the-art Virtual Reality and Postural Orientation Laboratory that examines how virtual reality influences both the visual and vestibular systems in human beings â and how these two systems are inextricably linked to each other.

Join us for a fascinating discussion of virtual reality and how this dynamic visual environment is proving to be an indispensable rehabilitation tool for patients with all types of neurological disorders that affect both balance and posture in humans.

Special Tribute: Dr. Ann E. Kelley

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:30:00 GMT

When you listen to one of these shows, youâre really only hearing a very small part of a much greater effort. By the time a show is officially âready for prime time," Iâve typically spent several weeks â or even months in some cases â communicating back and forth with each guest. And as much as I try to keep things businesslike, Iâm always surprised at how fairly well I get to know the guest during this period.

I think there are two reasons for this. First, with all the back-and-forth e-mails, phone calls, and appointment (re)schedulings, you really get a feel for a personâs temperament and personality. Second, both my guest and I are bound by a strong mutual interest â namely, we are insatiably curious about the inner workings of the human brain and mind. And itâs this fascination with exploring the unknown that, I believe, helps us connect at a much deeper level.

I had the great pleasure of working with Dr. Ann E. Kelley back in late March of 2006. At that time, we were transitioning NeuroScene towards a syndicated content model, and Dr. Kelley was one of our first podcast guests. I recall Dr. Kelley as being an exceptionally bright and engaging individual who had the rare dual blessings of both loving oneâs field of study â and of being one of the worldâs best at it.

Sadly, Dr. Kelley lost her battle with cancer last month. As a tribute to her, we are reposting the original interview, âThe Neuroscience of Obesity" with an updated introduction.

Blood-Brain Barrier Drug Delivery: Neglecting the Obvious?

Sat, 8 Sep 2007 02:36:00 GMT

Itâs no secret that researchers in both the commercial pharma and academic neuroscience communities are intent on designing new medicines to treat the growing populations of patients afflicted with central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimerâs disease, Parkinsonâs disease, stroke, and brain tumors. And itâs also no secret that the biggest obstacle to the successful delivery of these specialized drug therapies is the blood brain barrier â a unique network of tightly packed endothelial cells that protects the brain from the many chemicals flowing within the blood.

Whatâs surprising, however, is that the blood brain barrier continues to be significantly disregarded as an essential area of focus within both Big Pharma and the academic neuroscience establishment. And the unfortunate byproduct of this neglect is a substantial over funding of neuroscience research projects that produce few commercially viable therapies that can effectively address the growing threat of many age-related neurological conditions.

In this program, we speak with Dr. William Pardridge, Professor of Medicine at the UCLA Brain Research Institute and founder of ArmaGen Technologies. Join us for an eye-opening discussion of the science and politics of blood brain barrier drug delivery, and learn more about some of the fascinating new areas of research and development in this critical, but very often overlooked, area of neuroscience.

Nerve Zero: The Key to Subliminal Sexual Attraction?

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 03:19:00 GMT

Is it possible that we humans have a âsixth senseâ? with regards to sexual attraction and mate selection? This notion may not be as far fetched as it might seem. While it is well known that chemicals known as pheromones influence the sexual arousal and breeding behaviors in animals such as insects and rodents, this connection has never been conclusively established among the human species.

But this may be changing in the near future.

The secret to our subliminal sexual attraction might very well lie with a little known â and rather controversial â cranial nerve known as ânerve zero.â? Although it was discovered back in 1878, nerve zero has largely been overlooked as a potential conduit for transmitting human pheromone signals. In fact, you wonât find even nerve zero referenced in most brain anatomy textbooks.

In this program, we speak with Dr. R. Douglas Fields, Chief of the Nervous System Development and Plasticity Section, NICHD and adjunct professor at the University of Maryland. Dr. Fields has spearheaded much of the recent research with nerve zero, and he provides an excellent overview of some of the most recent findings surrounding this fascinating new area of scientific discovery.

Oxytocin: The Science and Economics of Trust

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:56:00 GMT

What makes one person trust another person? Why do we get a âgut feelingâ? â either good or bad â about another person whom weâve just met? And how does trust at a micro level in areas such as business transactions and legal agreements affect the overall economy and market efficiency of a society?

In this program, we speak with Dr. Paul Zak, a Professor at Claremont Graduate University in Southern California and one of the founders of the field of neuroeconomics.

Dr. Zakâs research was the first to identify the role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in mediating trusting behaviors between unacquainted humans in 2004. In addition to directing the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University, Dr. Zak has an upcoming book â "Moral Markets: The Critical Role of Values in the Economy" â which will be soon be available through Princeton University Press in 2007.

Join us for a fascinating discussion of neuroeconomics, and how trust and the role of oxytocin affect us at both an individual and a societal level.

"Dementia of Football": The Next Major Public Health Issue in Sports?

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 04:11:00 GMT

On September 24, 2002, Pro Football Hall of Fame center Michael Lewis Webster died in Allegheny General Hospital's coronary care unit at age 50. Known as "Iron Mike" during his playing years, Webster's discipline and overachieving nature helped propel the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl championships. But soon after retiring in 1990, Webster's life became plagued by debt, depression, family turmoil, and eventually homelessness.

Through an entirely serendipitous set of circumstances, forensic pathologist and neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu had an opportunity to conduct an extensive examination of Mike Webster's brain shortly after his death. What Dr. Omalu found was astonishing. While Mike Webster's brain did not show any outward physical signs of dementia, at a cellular level his brain resembled that of an 80-year-old advanced dementia patient.

Over the next 5 years, Dr. Omalu conducted post-mortem tests on additional former pro football players, and he began to notice an emerging pattern which seemed to indicate an entirely different form of progressive chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Termed "Dementia of Football," this syndrome was very different from dementia pugilistica, or the boxers' "punch-drunk syndrome." In contrast, "Dementia of Football" tended to occur without the presence of any motor symptoms - which would explain why it would often be misdiagnosed or completely overlooked.

Join us in this fascinating conversation with Dr. Omalu where we discuss this newly emerging syndrome in detail and ponder what could very well be one of the next major public health issues to affect athletes - both amateur and professional - worldwide.

Neuroscience and National Defense: Science Fiction or Science Fact?

Tue, 15 May 2007 05:43:00 GMT

In the decades following World War II, a "military-academic complex" has emerged and has been quite active in exploring the potential uses of advanced neuroscience applications for our national defense. But the underlying motives have been fairly consistent - namely, how can we as a nation harness the power of the human nervous system in order to gain a strategic advantage over our adversaries?

In his groundbreaking new book, Mind Wars: Brain Research and National Defense, Dr. Jonathan D. Moreno delves into the fascinating origins of our government's neuroscience and neurotechnology initiatives and provides a detailed glimpse into what might be the next major frontier of our national defense.

Be sure to join us in this compelling podcast interview with Dr. Moreno where we discuss both the past history of neuroscience defense initiatives as well as some of the more exciting potential future developments. From cognitively enhanced soldiers, to brain-machine interface devices, to non-lethal neuro-disruption technologies, we take a look at the both the fact and fiction surrounding this cutting-edge area of research.

Is the "Stone Age" Lifestyle the Answer to Eliminating Depression?

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 04:47:00 GMT

Why is it that, despite unprecedented levels of affluence and advancement in both medicine and technology, we still see skyrocketing rates of clinical depression within the developed world? Could it be that we have altered our environment so radically over the past 60 years - and that our "hunter-gatherer" genetics just simply have not caught up with these changes?

Join us in this fascinating conversation with Dr. Stephen Ilardi of the University of Kansas where we discuss in detail what may be the true cause of depression in our society - and how we might ultimately be able to reclaim those protective "Stone Age" elements that have historically insulated us from depression since time immemorial.

Program highlights include:

(0:50) Overview of evolutionary psychology - why we are genetically "wired" to thrive in a Stone Age environment

(4:25) The environmental changes over the last 60 years - why clinical depression is so rare in contemporary hunter-gatherer societies

(11:10) Socialization and a sense of community - how this is missing from our lives right now, and why this is so important to preventing depression

(14:55) Physical activity - why exercise is such a powerful antidepressant, and how we've engineered this critical activity out of our lives

(22:10) Sleep, sunlight, and circadian rhythms - how our current environment has actually "miscalibrated" our brains to the detriment of our health

(28:45) Diet and consumption patterns - the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids in preventing depression, and why we currently no longer consume this essential supplement in adequate amounts

(38:00) The reaction from the scientific community - why many of these statistically significant findings have been largely ignored by the conventional medical establishment

(41:25) The danger of rumination - how our lifestyles have changed so much that this unhealthy activity is now ubiquitous, and why this factor was relatively absent in Stone Age societies

(48:30) Depression among the younger population - how their current upbringing is set to predispose these future generations to skyrocketing levels of depression

(53:40) "Therapeutic Lifestyle Change" - how people can reclaim the six protective lifestyle elements and incorporate them into their current lives to insulate themselves from depression

Ketamine: The Next "Blockbuster" Therapy for Depression?

Sun, 1 Apr 2007 14:34:00 GMT

Ketamine has a long history of clinical usage and is known for its effective anesthetic properties. However, ketamine has gained a fair amount of notoriety in recent years as a recreational "club drug" due to its dissociative side effects.

But in the midst of this controversy, ketamine is quietly emerging as the forerunner of what promises to be the next big frontier in treating depression.

According to the World Health Organization, depression affects over 120 million people worldwide, making it the fourth largest contributor to the global burden of disease. And until relatively recently, much of the current focus on treating depression has centered upon compounds and derivatives which interact with the serotonin system. Ketamine, by contrast, works directly on the glutaminergic system, specifically on the NMDA receptor sites. And the treatment results tend to be much more immediate - and sometimes even profound.

We are very excited to feature Dr. John Krystal on this segment. Dr. Krystal has been one of the most influential researchers studying the role that the neurotransmitter glutamate plays in various mood disorders. Join us in this fascinating program as we discuss the emerging role of ketamine as a viable treatment for depression - and how this new scientific focus just might be the next target of "Big Pharma."

The Science and Commerce of Smell

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 01:23:00 GMT

Why is it that certain odors or scents can bring up such vivid memories of our past? And why is it that specific smells can significantly alter our moods and perceptions - sometimes without us even being aware that this is taking place?

We are very excited to feature an exclusive interview with Dr. Alan Hirsch of the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago, IL. Dr. Hirsch has been on the forefront of clinical research studying the complex effects that our senses of smell and taste exert over our everyday lives. From impacting eating patterns, to reducing chronic pain, to even affecting the sexual arousal of us and our romantic partners, we are subtly influenced by the scents and odors in our immediate environment.

Join us in this very compelling discussion where Dr. Hirsch details the research he has done in this area and highlights both the commercial and personal value of his findings.

Ketamine and Chronic Pain: Is There Finally a Cure for CRPS?

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 01:56:00 GMT

Our guest on this segment is Dr. Robert Schwartzman, professor and chair of the Department of Neurology at the Drexel University College of Medicine.

Over the past couple of years, Dr. Schwartzman and his colleagues in Germany have used ketamine to successfully treat patients suffering from the chronic pain disorder known as complex regional pain syndrome (CPRS). This pioneering approach is not for the faint of heart. Advanced CPRS patients are actually placed in a ketamine-induced coma for several days. But the results have been dramatic - often allowing for a complete cure for what had previously been a totally disabling illness*.

Be sure to tune in to this fascinating interview where we discuss both the hard science of the human pain response as well as Dr. Schwartzman's cutting-edge therapeutic approach to treating chronic pain.

* Be sure to also check out the CNN video coverage of this study.

The Psychology of Seduction

steve@neuroscene.com — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 07:00:00 GMT

It's Valentine's Day, and we couldn't imagine a more appropriate show!

We are very excited to feature an exclusive interview with Dr. Raj Persaud, a worldwide authority on the topic, and the author of the psychological bestseller "Simply Irresistible - The Psychology of Seduction - How to Catch and Keep Your Perfect Partner."

Dr. Persaud is Gresham Professor for Public Understanding of Psychiatry and Consultant Psychiatrist at The Bethlem Royal Hospital - the oldest psychiatric hospital in the UK. He has won numerous academic prizes and awards for his clinical and research work including an unprecedented two of the Royal College of Psychiatrist's top prizes - the Research Prize and Medal and the Morris Markow Prize, as well as the ancient Society of of Apothecaries' Osler Medal.

A prolific researcher, author, and broadcaster, Dr. Persaud presents a series of podcasts on the Royal College Website and is the author of over 150 research and academic papers. The Times newspaper recently voted him one of the top twenty gurus in the world and The Independent also recently elected him one of the top ten clinical psychiatrists in the UK - the youngest doctor to make it onto this esteemed list.

How Video Games Satisfy Intrinsic Human Needs

Thu, 1 Feb 2007 19:03:00 GMT

The market for video and PC games has accelerated so rapidly within the past few years that this industry has now eclipsed Hollywood in both size and revenue. And with the increasing popularity of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) like Second Life, these entertainment mediums are attracting audiences of all age groups and demographics.

In this interview with Dr. Scott Rigby of Immersyve, we explore the underlying human motivations that have been driving this commercial phenomenon. Instead of automatically condemning video games as "addictive" or "time wasting," we take the subject to a much deeper level - and we try to nail down what this really means to businesses in this market space. (Originally broadcast 10-January-2007)

CCF Innovations Neuroscience Summit

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:32:00 GMT

All the "big guns" in neuroscience will be getting together within the next few weeks at the Cleveland Clinic Medical Innovation Summit. Get the inside scoop on the hottest areas of neuroscience research and commercial development from Chris Coburn, the Executive Director of CCF Innovations, the commercialization arm of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. (Originally broadcast 24-October-2006)

The Neuroscience of Obesity

steve@neuroscene.com — Wed, 3 Jan 2007 18:26:00 GMT

The phrase "junk food junkie" might be closer to the truth than you realize. Scientists are just beginning to uncover some of the neural mechanisms which underlie food cravings and overeating. Learn more about the neuroscience of obesity in this fascinating podcast interview with Dr. Ann E. Kelley of the University of Wisconsin. (Originally broadcast 31-March-2006)

About NeuroScene

Tue, 2 Jan 2007 20:24:00 GMT

Welcome to NeuroScene, where we explore the future of neuroscience...

NeuroScene is the producer of the groundbreaking podcast series "Innovators in Neuroscience" which is syndicated globally on the World Wide Web. Since 2004, we have been providing readers and site visitors with the most comprehensive, cutting-edge information on the key trends and the hottest new developments within this industry space. From breaking news stories to in-depth special reports, NeuroScene gives you the inside word on one of science's most fascinating frontiers.

Do you want to be a guest on our show?

NeuroScene is always on the lookout for interesting stories or topics to highlight on a future show. If you have a great story or area of research that the world needs to hear about, then don't be shy about contacting us directly!

You can call us at (312) 927-0299 or send an e-mail to srhernan [at] gmail [dot] com. Please tell us about yourself, why you would like to be featured on NeuroScene, and provide us with your contact information and when you are available for an interview.

What you can expect during this process:

Once we confirm your participation as a guest on the show, we will put together a tentative program outline which you would then review and revise as you see fit. If there is any particular area that you might want to emphasize or expand upon, we would go with that.

The majority of our interviews are conducted over the phone and are edited and mixed afterwards. If a guest wants to rephrase an answer to a question or remove any part of the interview, this can easily be done prior to the actual broadcast. The podcasts are then distributed worldwide via numerous syndicated media outlets.

Above all, our goal is make sure that you and your ideas are presented in the best possible way to the neuroscience community and to the general public. By keeping the dialogue both informative and lively, we allow you to provide our listeners and subscribers with the most advanced knowledge and information on the fascinating field of neuroscience.

Press information: We have a press-friendly policy, and we are happy to work with or share knowledge with other members of the media. Call or e-mail, and we'll find a way to help you. Deadlines understood.

Editorial integrity policy: As an Internet-enabled media company, we support our work with related income. We believe the ethical response is to make clear where our conflicts of interest might be. Like most trade media, we accept advertising and occasional contracted consulting work from companies within the industry. We believe we serve our advertisers best by independent reporting that attracts readers to their ads.

Privacy policy: We do not collect any information about visitors to our site other than website statistics. We do not share our industry contact lists with anyone, although infrequently we will do a mailing on behalf of a sponsor.

The Trauma Market

Mon, 1 Jan 2007 20:18:00 GMT

Trauma refers to a serious or critical bodily injury, wound, or shock which often results in lasting mental and physical effects.

Major therapeutic categories:

- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Epilepsy
- Cerebral hypoxia
- Meningitis

Bottom line:

Patients (US): 12,700,000
Direct medical spending: US$ 128.9 billion

The Motion Market

Mon, 1 Jan 2007 20:12:00 GMT

Motion refers to a voluntary or involuntary physical action or a change in the speed, fluency, quality, and ease of movement or mobility.

Major therapeutic categorties:

- Parkinson's disease
- Huntington's disease
- Restless leg syndrome
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Dysphagia

Bottom line:

Patients (US): 28,000,000
Direct medical spending: US$ 60.7 billion

The Cognition Market

Mon, 1 Jan 2007 20:06:00 GMT

Cognition refers to the mental processes of an individual such as memory, attention, perception, action, problem solving, and mental imagery - all of which contribute towards optimal sensory and information processing.

Major therapeutic categories:

- Alzheimer's disease
- Schizophrenia
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Vascular dementia
- Speech & language disorders

Bottom line:

Patients (US) - 19,300,000
Direct medical spending - US$ 128.8 billion

The Pleasure Market

Mon, 1 Jan 2007 20:02:00 GMT

Pleasure is a present, positive sensory and emotional experience involving a feeling of delight, comfort, or gratification.

Major therapeutic categories:

- Addiction disorders
- Recreational substance abuse
- Sexual desire & enhancement

Bottom line:

Patients (US) - unknown
Direct medical spending - undefined

The Pain Market

Mon, 1 Jan 2007 19:56:00 GMT

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage.

Major therapeutic categories:

- Acute pain management
- Chronic pain management
- Migraine headache disorder

Bottom line:

Patients (US) - 103,000,000
Direct medical spending - US$ 43 billion

The Fatigue Market

Mon, 1 Jan 2007 19:48:00 GMT

Fatigue is a state, following a period of mental or physical activity, characterized by a lessened capacity for work and a reduced efficiency of accomplishment, usually accompanied by a feeling of weariness, sleepiness, or irritability.

Major therapeutic categories:

- Insomnia
- Sleep deprivation
- Chronic fatigue syndrome

Bottom line:

Patients (US) - 70,000,000
Direct medical spending - US$ 15.9 billion

The Depression Market

Mon, 1 Jan 2007 19:41:00 GMT

Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an extended time.

Major therapeutic categories:

- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Dysthymia

Bottom Line:

Patients (US) - 18,800,000
Direct medical spending - US$ 30 billion

The Anxiety Market

Mon, 1 Jan 2007 19:29:00 GMT

Anxiety disorder is a blanket term covering several different forms of abnormal anxiety, fear, phobia, and nervous conditions that come on suddenly and prevent pursuing normal daily routines.

Major therapeutic categories:

- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Social anxiety
- Specific phobias

Bottom line:

Patients (US) - 19,100,000
Direct medical spending - US$ 22.84 billion