This episode introduces neuroplasticity- which is how our brain and nervous system learns and acquires new capabilities. I describe the differences between childhood and adult neuroplasticity, the chemicals involved and how anyone can increase their rate and depth of learning by leveraging the science of focus. I describe specific tools for increasing focus and learning. The next two episodes will cover the ideal protocols for specific types of learning and how to make learning new information more reflexive. Thank you to our sponsors: <ul> <li>InsideTracker - <a href= "http://insidetracker.com/huberman">http://insidetracker.com/huberman</a></li> <li>Headspace - <a href= "http://headspace.com/specialoffer">http://headspace.com/specialoffer</a></li> <li>Madefor - <a href= "http://getmadefor.com/">http://getmadefor.com/</a> -- code: Huberman</li> </ul> Supplements from Thorne: <ul> <li><a href= "http://www.thorne.com/u/huberman">http://www.thorne.com/u/huberman</a></li> </ul>   Reference: <a href= "https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(16)30332-3?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982216303323%3Fshowall%3Dtrue"> https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(16)30332-3?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982216303323%3Fshowall%3Dtrue</a> Timestamps below. <ul> <li>00:00 Introduction</li> <li>03:50 Plasticity: What Is it, & What Is It For?</li> <li>06:30 Babies and Potato Bugs</li> <li>08:00 Customizing Your Brain</li> <li>08:50 Hard-Wired Versus Plastic Brains</li> <li>10:25 Everything Changes At 25</li> <li>12:29 Costello and Your Hearing</li> <li>13:10 The New Neuron Myth</li> <li>14:10 Anosmia: Losing Smell</li> <li>15:13 Neuronal Birthdays Near Our Death Day</li> <li>16:45 Circumstances for Brain Change</li> <li>17:21 Brain Space</li> <li>18:30 No Nose, Eyes, Or Ears</li> <li>19:30 Enhanced Hearing and Touch In The Blind</li> <li>20:20 Brain Maps of The Body Plan</li> <li>21:00 The Kennard Principle (Margaret Kennard)</li> <li>21:36 Maps of Meaning</li> <li>23:00 Awareness Cues Brain Change</li> <li>25:20 The Chemistry of Change</li> <li>26:15 A Giant Lie In The Universe</li> <li>27:10 Fathers of Neuroplasticity/Critical Periods</li> <li>29:30 Competition Is The Route to Plasticity</li> <li>32:30 Correcting The Errors of History</li> <li>33:29 Adult Brain Change: Bumps and Beeps</li> <li>36:25 What It Takes to Learn</li> <li>38:15 Adrenalin and Alertness</li> <li>40:18 The Acetylcholine Spotlight</li> <li>42:26 The Chemical Trio For Massive Brain Change</li> <li>44:10 Ways To Change Your Brain</li> <li>46:16 Love, Hate, & Shame: all the same chemical</li> <li>47:30 The Dopamine Trap</li> <li>49:40 Nicotine for Focus</li> <li>52:30 Sprinting</li> <li>53:30 How to Focus</li> <li>55:22 Adderall: Use & Abuse</li> <li>56:40 Seeing Your Way To Mental Focus</li> <li>1:02:59 Blinking</li> <li>1:05:30 And Ear Toward Learning</li> <li>1:06:14 The Best Listeners In The World</li> <li>1:07:20 Agitation is Key</li> <li>1:07:40 ADHD & ADD: Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder</li> <li>1:12:00 Ultra(dian) Focus</li> <li>1:13:30 When Real Change Occurs</li> <li>1:16:20 How Much Learning Is Enough?</li> <li>1:16:50 Learning In (Optic) Flow/Mind Drift</li> <li>1:18:16 Synthesis/Summary</li> <li>1:25:15 Learning With Repetition, Forming Habits</li> </ul>   As always, thank you for your interest in science! Please note that The Huberman Lab Podcast is distinct from Dr. Huberman's teaching and research roles at Stanford University School of Medicine. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Huberman Lab Podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed. [Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac https://www.blabacphoto.com/]

How to Focus to Change Your Brain | Episode 6

The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.