In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. David Berson, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at Brown University and an expert on the visual system and circadian biology.
We explore how the brain processes visual information, from photons entering the eye to conscious perception in the cortex. We discuss color vision, the discovery of melanopsin and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, and how light regulates our circadian clock and melatonin release. We also examine the vestibular system’s role in balance and motion detection, the cerebellum’s function in motor coordination, and the midbrain’s integration of multiple sensory inputs. Finally, we discuss the basal ganglia’s role in decision-making and an extraordinary case of neuroplasticity in visual cortex.
Episode show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/kJOETdg
Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past full-length Huberman Lab episodes. Watch the full-length episode: https://youtu.be/oC3fhUjg30E
Watch more Huberman Lab Essentials episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPNW_gerXa4OGNy1yE-W9IX-tPu-tJa7S
*Follow Huberman Lab*
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hubermanlab
X: https://x.com/hubermanlab
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hubermanlab
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hubermanlab
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-huberman
Website: https://www.hubermanlab.com
Newsletter: https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter
*Dr. David Berson*
Dr. Berson’s academic profile: https://vivo.brown.edu/display/dberson
Eyewire (contribute to neuroscience research from home/computer): https://eyewire.org/explore
Best neuroscience textbook: https://amzn.to/4n87UoC
We Know It When We See It: What the Neurobiology of Vision Tells Us About How We Think (book): https://amzn.to/47qC9lU
*Timestamps*
00:00:00 Dr. David Berson
00:00:38 Visual Perception, Photons & Retinal Processing, Ganglion Cells
00:02:12 Color Vision, Wavelengths & Photoreceptors; Cones & Rods
00:06:32 Melanopsin, Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells & Brightness Detection
00:08:45 Circadian Clock & Synchronization, Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN); Master Clock Function
00:11:30 Hypothalamus, Autonomic Nervous System & Hormonal Systems
00:12:12 Tool: Light Exposure & Melatonin Regulation, Pineal Function
00:13:06 Vestibular System, Balance & Motion Detection; Semicircular Canals
00:15:45 Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, Image Stabilization & Head Rotation
00:17:22 Motion Sickness, Visual-Vestibular Conflict; Tool: Avoiding Nausea
00:19:06 Cerebellum, Motor Coordination & Learning
00:20:28 Cerebellar Function, Precision & Timing of Movement; Cerebellar Ataxia
00:21:56 Flocculus & Visual-Vestibular Integration
00:22:52 Midbrain, Brainstem & Reflexive Behavior; Superior Colliculus
00:25:33 Spatial Orientation & Multisensory Integration; Rattlesnake Heat Detection
00:27:20 Sensory Integration & Corroboration
00:28:12 Basal Ganglia, Go vs No-Go Behavior & Decision Making
00:29:15 Tool: Impulse Control & Delayed Gratification, Marshmallow Test
00:30:13 Individual Differences, Genetics & Experience
00:31:05 Visual Cortex, Neural Processing & Brain Plasticity
00:32:00 Cortical Reorganization, Braille Reading & Stroke Recovery
00:34:34 David Berson’s Work; Acknowledgements
Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer
