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.

Pink Brain, Blue Brain

Mythbusting sex differences in the brain: author/neuroscientist Lise Eliot discusses her book.

Brain, Mind and Behavior: Pain and the Brain

From the Mini Med School for the Public from UCSF on UCTV, an engaging talk on the nature and management of pain.

Jill Bolte Taylor: My stroke of insight

Jill Bolte Taylor is a neuroanatomist who observed herself having a stroke, recovered creatively by making stained glass brains, gained insights on emotions and time and wrote a terrific memoir about it all. At TED she shares lessons learned through her altered perceptions (most importantly, being in the moment). This is a great talk that received a standing ovation.

title Hypothalamic Regulation Of Sleep And Circadian Rhythms
description Neuroanatomy and chronobiology lecture. “The focus of Dr. Saper’s laboratory is on the integrated functions maintained by the hypothalamus. These include regulation of wake-sleep cycles, body temperature, and feeding.” NLM Classification: WL 312 NLM ID: 101268607 CIT File ID: 12302 CIT Live ID: 3603 Close-captioned.
producer NIH Neuroscience Seminar Series; filmed at Bethesda, Md. National Institutes of Health
featuring Clifford Saper
format Real Video
date 15/11/04
length 01:10:53
link http://videocast.nih.gov/Summary.asp?File=12302
direct video link http://videocast.nih.gov/launch.asp?12302

“Rights: This is a work of the United States Government. No copyright exists on this material. It may be disseminated freely.” Thanks, America!

Tags: brain hypothalamus circadian sleep chronobiology neuroscience