Neurobiologist Stuart Firestein, one of the world's leading experts on olfaction, joins Bernard Baars to discuss the similarities and surprising differences of smell and taste in relation to vision, hearing and somatosensory systems, like touch. The olfactory system presents us with alternative views of how sensory stimuli are parsed in the brain and how we integrate those into some sort of conscious worldview.
Dr. Stuart Firestein specializes in the olfactory system ⎯ why and how our brains and noses sense smell. Stuart is the former chair of Columbia University's Department of Biological Sciences and a neurobiology professor, where his laboratory studies the vertebrate olfactory system, possibly the best chemical detector on the face of the planet.
Stuart is devoted to the history, evolution, and future of science. Author of "Ignorance: How it Drives Science" and "Failure: Why Science is so Successful” (OUP), his books cast science as an unending quest to illuminate ignorance and failure as an essential component in that process.
Talking Points
- 0:00 - Intro
- 3:59 - The Ups and Downs of Consciousness in Science
- 12:30 - Stuart’s Journey from Theater to Neuroscience
- 19:14 - Is Olfaction an Idiosyncratic or Unique Brain System?
- 25:30 - The Connection Between Smell, Memory & Emotion
- 34:37 - The Immune System Recognizes a Repertoire of Molecules Just Like the Olfactory System
- 42:51 - The Regenerative Capabilities of Olfactory Neurons
- 51:48 - Are Olfactory Receptors Like Other Chemoreceptors?
- 01:02:34 - The Integration of Olfactory Stimuli into a Chemical Panorama
- 01:10:24 - Is Olfaction a Low- or High-Dimensional Input System?
- 01:16:56 - How to Improve Science Learning
- 01:22:25 - The Value of Ignorance and Failure in Science
Producer: Natalie Geld
Links
— Website and Social Media —
Website: https://bernardbaars.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BernardJBaars
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BernardJBaars/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardjbaars/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BernardBaarsOnConsciousness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baarslab/?hl=en
— Stuart Firestein —
Website: http://stuartfirestein.com/
Columbia University: https://www.biology.columbia.edu/people/firestein
Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq0_zGzSc8g
Books:
- Ignorance: How It Drives Science: Buy at Amazon
- Failure: Why Science Is So Successful: Buy at Amazon
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.