Exploring the Mysteries of the Brain

Aug 4, 2024

Lecture Notes: The Human Brain

Professor: Nancy Camwisher
Date: 9/13

Agenda

  1. Brief Story (10 minutes)
  2. Discuss the Why, How, and What of studying the human brain
  3. Course Mechanics and Details
    • Allocation of Grades
    • Syllabus Overview

Story Overview

  • True story about a friend (Bob) experiencing a medical emergency.
  • Highlights the nature of the human mind, brain organization, and the impact of brain damage.
  • Themes: resilience, privilege, expertise, and brain recovery.

Bob's Experience

  • Bob stayed over before a conference.
  • Woke up to a crash; found Bob unconscious.
  • EMTs arrived, took vitals, found nothing wrong.
  • Transported to hospital for tests; no immediate findings.
  • Professor sensed something was wrong with Bob’s brain due to previous signs of navigational deficits.
  • Suggested checking his brain; initial ER doc thought it wasn’t a brain issue.

Diagnosis

  • Bob later found to have a tumor (meningioma) in his brain next to the para-hippocampal Place area.
  • Tumor was growing slowly (not cancerous).
  • Brain imaging revealed the tumor had been present before but unnoticed.
  • Brain surgery was successful; Bob was able to make a quick recovery.
  • Post-surgery, Bob retained some cognitive functions, but navigational skills were severely impaired.

Key Themes from the Story

  1. Brain Structure and Functionality

    • Different regions of the brain have different functions.
    • Specific damage can affect targeted cognitive abilities without overall IQ changes.

  2. Brain Recovery

    • Recovery from brain damage is often limited and varies by individual and age.
    • Early damage often has better recovery potential compared to adult brain damage.

  3. Methods of Brain Study

    • Various methods to study brain function: behavioral observations, anatomical imaging, and functional imaging.

Why Study the Brain?

  1. Self-Understanding

    • Understanding the brain leads to self-awareness and identity.

  2. Limits of Human Knowledge

    • Studying the brain helps understand the limits of cognition and knowledge.

  3. Advancing AI

    • Insights from human cognition can improve AI development.

  4. Intellectual Quest

    • Studying the brain is a fundamental pursuit in understanding life and consciousness.

How to Study the Human Brain

  • Levels of Organization

    • Molecules, neurons, circuits, brain regions, and networks.
    • Focus on how the brain gives rise to the mind.

  • Methods Used

    • Neuropsychological studies (patients with brain damage).
    • Imaging techniques (fMRI, EEG, MEG).
    • Behavioral studies (reaction times, perceptual illusions).

Course Structure

Topics Covered

  • High-level vision (color, shape, and motion)
  • Scene perception and navigation
  • Understanding language and music
  • Theory of mind and social cognition
  • Brain networks and their functionality

Goals

  • Understand cognitive neuroscience methods and their applications.
  • Gain knowledge about cognitive functions and their brain basis.
  • Develop skills to read and interpret current research papers.

Grading

  • Midterm: 25%
  • Final: 25% (cumulative, weighted towards the second half)
  • Reading assignments: ~2 papers per week with short written responses.
  • Quizzes to maintain engagement with the material.

Conclusion

  • Emphasis on understanding how to read scientific papers effectively.
  • Overview of the next class (brain dissection by a guest neuroscientist).
  • Importance of participation and engagement in the course material.