Iain McGilchrist: The Divided Brain

Psychiatrist McGilchist debunks myths of split brain functioning and explains how the left and right hemispheres of the brain always work together, yet still have different specializations. He posits that their strengths (and physical size) have evolved with the demands of modern life, and that although the left hemisphere may be useful for more concrete tasks, the right brain is equally valuable, ending with this quote from Albert Einstein: “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant but has forgotten the gift.” A cool illustrated RSA Animate video, created with an audio clip from a longer lecture on western civilization and the divided brain available here. Hat tip: an excellent blog post by Lapidarium notes.

Morality and responsibility for violence are explored in a re-enactment of Yale psychologist Stanley Milgram’s famous experiment on obedience to authority.

Ira Flatow interviews Eric Kandel.

Member or the Order of Canada, cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Brenda Milner.

Neuroplasticity and the structural responsiveness of the brain.

An edition of brain blog carnival Encephalon with bonus videos.

Excellent day-long conference on the ethics of alcoholism treatment and alternative treatments.

An interview with “founding father of brain science” Rodolfo Llinás.

The history of IQ tests and their many abuses, and why it’s an emotional topic for some to discuss.

Interesting talk about the history of neuroimaging and its applications.