Noise is more than just an irritation; it’s a global health and environmental issue. In this episode, we welcome Chris Berdik, science journalist and author of Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World and How We Can Take It Back. We explore how noise affects the body and brain, from sleep disruption and stress responses to hearing loss, dementia risk, and learning difficulties.

We also talk about why designing better soundscapes (in schools, workplaces, hospitals, and cities) is essential for public health, productivity, and even wildlife survival.
This episode offers deep insights for anyone interested in health, neuroscience or urban planning, revealing why it’s time to take noise seriously and how we can build healthier soundscapes for the future.

More from Chris Berdik: https://www.chrisberdik.com/clamor

#NoisePollution #HealthAndWellness #Neuroscience #UrbanDesign #Soundscapes #HearingHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #BrainScience #PublicHealth
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for exciting neuroscience content.

🔗Link to our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond

Timestamps
00:00:00 In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond
00:00:29 Introduction
00:01:00 Chris Berdik’s journey into science journalism and noise research
00:07:30 What is noise?
00:10:45 Health Effects of Noise
00:14:00 Hearing and Dementia
00:15:30 Are we adapting to noise?
0017:00 Noise sensitivity: why even “deep sleepers” are affected
00:19:01 Noise and learning: classrooms and distraction
00:20:00 The auditory midbrain and early literacy
00:22:29 Open offices: productivity, distraction distance, and noise design
00:27:20 White noise, focus, and the science of masking sound
00:29:55 Hearing damage: how loud sound injures hair cells and neurons
00:38:25 Hearing protection as the “new sunscreen”
00:40:11 Noise and nature: wildlife, whales, and shrinking sensory worlds
00:50:00 Green Spaces and Soundscapes
00:53:50 Limerick, Ireland: redefining “quiet spaces” in cities
01:01:50 Noise inequality and environmental justice
01:05:29 Sound solutions: from restaurants to hospitals
01:15:42 Key message from Clamor

Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286

Neuroscience and Beyond team:
Svilen Georgiev
Kristina Jevdokimenko
Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı
Mels Akhmetali
Laura van Agen

Memory is more than just a function of neurons; non-neuronal cells can “remember” too. In this episode, we welcome Prof. Nikolay Kukushkin, Clinical Associate Professor of Life Science and research fellow at the Center for Neural Science, NYU, to discuss the fascinating science of memory. We explore how neurons and other cells store information and abstract ideas, why scientists study sea slugs to uncover the mechanisms of learning and memory, and the potential implications of cellular memory for mental health, learning, and cancer treatment. We also discuss the new upcoming book by Prof. Kukushkin called “One Hand Clapping - Unraveling the Mystery of the Human Mind”.

This episode provides in-depth insights for anyone curious about neuroscience, memory, and consciousness, revealing the remarkable ways our cells contribute to how information is stored, processed, and retained.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 In this episode of Neuroscience and Beyond
00:00:29 Introduction
00:01:58 Prof. Kukushkin’s Journey: From Biochemistry to Neuroscience
00:04:30 What Is Cellular Memory?
00:07:32 How do Neuroscientists Study Memory?
00:13:29 Massed vs. Spaced Effect in Learning and Memory
00:17:15 Where Is Memory Stored?
00:20:09 Neuronal Memory vs. Non-Neuronal Memory
00:24:32 How Neurons Store Abstract Information and Ideas
00:30:39 Can Animals Experience Memory Like Humans?
00:32:41 Sea Slugs, Consciousness, and Evolutionary Perspectives
00:38:53 Can Cancer Cells Remember Chemotherapy Treatment?
00:42:36 Cellular Memory and Mental Health Research
00:48:09 Writing One Hand Clapping: Science and Storytelling
00:55:34 Motivation Behind Writing a Book
01:02:23 Theories of Consciousness
01:09:21 Do We Have the Technology to Study Consciousness?
01:12:49 Psychedelics, Brain Research, and Conscious Experience
01:15:57 Final Insights on Memory and the Human Mind

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for exciting neuroscience content.

🔗 Link to our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond

#neuroscience #Memory #CellularMemory #BrainScience #Learning #HumanCognition #Neurons #SeaSlugs #MentalHealth #SciencePodcast #OneHandClapping

Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286.

Neuroscience and Beyond team:
Svilen Georgiev
Kristina Jevdokimenko
Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı
Laura van Agen
Music contributors: Steffen Pöschel (Ilanoor)

In our Problems in Academia series, we talk with scientists about the biggest challenges in research today and how the system could better support scientists at every level.

In this episode, Raymundo Báez-Mendoza, PhD, group leader at the German Primate Centre, shares honest insights into the economics of science-from how funding models shape lab decisions to the growing imbalance between large and small research groups.

Visit our Problems in Academia series to hear how leading scientists are rethinking research culture and building a better future for science.

🔗 Link to the Playlist of Problems in Academia: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLtjKq7qE0GdKtOrU9a3U0mPzPgW67waB

#ResearchReform #AcademicCareers #ScienceFunding #BrainDrain #NeurosciencePodcast
#academic #challenges #academia #science #ResearchFunding #AcademicCareers #PhDLife

Supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging, as well as SFB1286

Neuroscience and Beyond team:
Svilen Georgiev
Kristina Jevdokimenko
Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı
Mels Akhmetali
Laura van Agen