![[Interview tester] All you need is LOVE](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts221/v4/8f/13/94/8f139465-dca9-2f0f-c0e0-122223f06016/mza_5306613719539498449.png/250x250bb.jpg)
Episodios
-
In this episode of Science Savvy, we dive deep into the fascinating ways food influences our brains, bodies, and even our relationships. Joined by food-loving couple Pablo and Alicia, we explore how the taste, smell, and texture of our meals trigger dopamine release, creating cravings and memories. Discover the science of macronutrients, the gut-brain axis, and how omega-3s can boost brain health.
We also discuss how food fosters social bonds and sparks romance, releasing hormones like oxytocin that deepen our connections. Plus, we tackle why highly palatable foods can be so hard to resist, the evolutionary wiring behind our cravings, and the cutting-edge science of the microbiome. Whether you're a health nut, a foodie, or just curious about the science of eating, this episode serves up a banquet of insights.
Tune in to get your fill of science-backed "food for thought" and leave with practical tips to feel your best—mind and body.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share it with a friend. Follow us on Instagram for more bite-sized science content, and stay savvy!
Further reading / references:
Omega-3s and cognitive function: Swanson, D., Block, R., & Mousa, S. A. (2012). Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: Health benefits throughout life. *Advances in Nutrition*, *3*(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.111.000893. Gut-brain axis: Carabotti, M., Scirocco, A., Maselli, M. A., & Severi, C. (2015). The gut-brain axis: Interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. *Annals of Gastroenterology*, *28*(2), 203. Serotonin and the gut: Yano, J. M., Yu, K., Donaldson, G. P., Shastri, G. G., Ann, P., Ma, L., ... & Hsiao, E. Y. (2015). Indigenous bacteria from the gut microbiota regulate host serotonin biosynthesis. *Cell*, *161*(2), 264-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2015.02.047. Gut microbiome and mental health: Dash, S., Clarke, G., Berk, M., & Jacka, F. N. (2015). The gut microbiome and diet in psychiatry: Focus on depression. *Current Opinion in Psychiatry*, *28*(1), 1-6. Gut microbiome and autoimmune disorders: Peterson, C. T., Sharma, V., Elmen, L., & Peterson, S. N. (2015). Immune homeostasis, dysbiosis and therapeutic modulation of the gut microbiota. *Clinical and Experimental Immunology*, *179*(3), 363-377. Inflammation and diet: Calder, P. C. (2010). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. *Nutritional Neuroscience*, *13*(3), 183-188. Social bonding and food: Ruddock, H. K., Brunstrom, J. M., Vartanian, L. R., & Higgs, S. (2019). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the social facilitation of eating. *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition*, *110*(4), 842-861. Evolutionary cravings and brain reward systems: Berthoud, H. R., Münzberg, H., & Morrison, C. D. (2017). Blaming the brain for obesity: Integration of hedonic and homeostatic mechanisms. *Gastroenterology*, *152*(7), 1728-1738. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2016.12.050. Lab-grown meat: Post, M. J. (2012). Cultured meat from stem cells: Challenges and prospects. *Meat Science*, *92*(3), 297-301. Insect protein and sustainability: van Huis, A., Van Itterbeeck, J., Klunder, H., Mertens, E., Halloran, A., Muir, G., & Vantomme, P. (2013). Edible insects: Future prospects for food and feed security. *FAO Forestry Paper*. FAO: Rome. -
In this deeply personal episode of Science Savvy, I sit down with Dehenna Davison, former Member of Parliament for Bishop Auckland, who made headlines when she stepped down from her dream job due to chronic migraine. Dehenna is a powerful advocate for migraine awareness, and she shares her journey—from suffering in silence to securing the first UK parliamentary debate on migraine since the 1960s.
What you will learn:💥 The science of migraine: Migraine disease is a debilitating neurological condition that affects over 1 billion people worldwide and is ranked among the top 10 most disabling disorders by the World Health Organization. It's NOT “just a headache”. We'll explain trigeminal nerve activation, neuroinflammation, vasodilation.💊 Migraine treatments and how they actually work at a molecular level: From triptans and CGRP inhibitors to Botox (botox??) and anticonvulsants (did she say convulsions?)⚖️ Access to migraine care: The frustrating barriers to treatment and the policy changes we desperately need💡 The emotional toll of migraine: How it impacts careers, relationships, and mental health🌍 Migraine advocacy: Why raising awareness is crucial for millions suffering in silence
As someone who also lives with migraine, this episode is deeply personal to me. If you or someone you love suffers from migraine attacks, THIS is the episode you need to hear.
🔗 Share this episode to help raise awareness!
#MigraineAwareness #ChronicMigraine #Neurology #BrainHealth #InvisibleIllness #DehennaDavidson #SciencePodcast #ScienceSavvy #HealthAdvocacy #HeadacheDisorders #Neuroscience #MigraineTreatment #PodcastForWomen #MentalHealthMatters #HealthPolicy
Bibliography / references / further reading:
Goadsby, P. J., Holland, P. R., Martins-Oliveira, M., Hoffmann, J., Schankin, C., & Akerman, S. (2017). Pathophysiology of migraine: A disorder of sensory processing. Physiological Reviews, 97(2), 553–622. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00034.2015
Burstein, R., Noseda, R., & Borsook, D. (2015). Migraine: Multiple processes, complex pathophysiology. The Journal of Neuroscience, 35(17), 6619–6629. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0373-15.2015
Charles, A. (2018). The pathophysiology of migraine: Implications for clinical management. The Lancet Neurology, 17(2), 174–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30435-0
World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Headache disorders: Key facts. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders
Steiner, T. J., Stovner, L. J., Jensen, R., Uluduz, D., & Katsarava, Z. (2020). Migraine remains second among the world's causes of disability, and first among young women: Findings from GBD2019. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 21(1), 137. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-020-01208-0
Buse, D. C., Manack, A. N., Fanning, K. M., Serrano, D., Reed, M. L., & Lipton, R. B. (2012). Chronic migraine prevalence, disability, and sociodemographic factors: Results from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study. Headache, 52(10), 1456–1470. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2012.02223.x
Lipton, R. B., Bigal, M. E., Diamond, M., Freitag, F., Reed, M. L., & Stewart, W. F. (2007). Migraine prevalence, disease burden, and the need for preventive therapy. Neurology, 68(5), 343–349. https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.0000252808.97649.21
Prince, P. B., Rapoport, A. M., Sheftell, F. D., Tepper, S. J., & Bigal, M. E. (2004). The effect of weather on headache. Headache, 44(6), 596–602. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004.446011.x
Finocchi, C., & Sivori, G. (2012). Food as trigger and aggravating factor of migraine. Neurological Sciences, 33(S1), 77–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-012-1046-5Migraine Treatment: Acute and Preventative Strategies
Diener, H. C., Holle, D., Solbach, K., & Gaul, C. (2021). Medication-overuse headache: Risk factors, pathophysiology, and management. Nature Reviews Neurology, 17(2), 112–124. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-020-00428-0
Dodick, D. W. (2018). A phase-by-phase review of migraine pathophysiology. Headache, 58(S1), 4–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.13300
Silberstein, S. D., Holland, S., Freitag, F., Dodick, D. W., Argoff, C., & Ashman, E. (2012). Evidence-based guideline update: Pharmacologic treatment for episodic migraine prevention in adults. Neurology, 78(17), 1337–1345. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182535d0c
Tepper, S. J., & Ashina, M. (2019). CGRP and migraine: The emerging role of CGRP inhibitors. Headache, 59(3), 394–406. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.13456
Russo, A. F. (2015). Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP): A new target for migraine. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 55, 533–552. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010814-124701
Lipton, R. B., Munjal, S., Alam, A., Buse, D. C., Fanning, K. M., Reed, M. L., & Schwedt, T. J. (2022). The impact of migraine on workplace productivity and the role of novel treatments. Headache, 62(3), 334–345. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.14286
-
¿Faltan episodios?
-
Your Brain is a Badass. It can literally rewire itself in the face of a challenge! In this episode, we dive into JJ’s inspiring story—a young boy who was born missing key structural elements of his brain but still managed to get better grades than his schoolmates... How? Learn how neuroplasticity (your brain’s ability to adapt) works, and more importantly, how you can use this knowledge to level up your life. Tune in to find out how to make your brain as sharp and flexible as your 2025 goals!
References / Further reading:
Zhao, J.-L., Jiang, W.-T., Wang, X., Cai, Z.-D., Liu, Z.-H., & Liu, G.-R. (2020). "Exercise, brain plasticity, and depression." CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 26(9), 885–895. WILEY ONLINE LIBRARY
Damiani, F., Cornuti, S., & Tognini, P. (2023). "The gut-brain connection: Exploring the influence of the gut microbiota on neuroplasticity and neurodevelopmental disorders." Neuropharmacology, 109491. PUBMED
Rojczyk, A., Dziewanowska, A., & Maryniak, A. (2020). "When the brain looks imperfect: An example of neuroplasticity as seen in a patient with arachnoid cysts—a case study." Frontiers in Neurology, 11, 567.
Gulyaeva, N. V. (2017). "Molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity: An expanding universe." Biochemistry (Moscow), 82(3), 237–242.
"Social Networks and Loneliness in People with Alzheimer's Dementia." Balouch S, Rifaat E, Chen HL, Tabet N. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2019 May;34(5):666-673.
"Social Networks and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease." Ma YH, Wang YY, Tan L, et al. J Alzheimers Dis. 2021;81(1):263-272.
"Social Health, Social Reserve, and Dementia." Sachdev PS. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2022 Mar;35(2):111-117.
"Enriched Environment Promotes Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis through FGFRs" Journal: J Neurosci. 2021 Mar 31;41(13):2899-2910.
"Enriched Environment Increases Neurogenesis and Improves Social Memory Persistence in Socially Isolated Adult Mice"
"Adulthood Cognitive Trajectories Over 26 Years and Brain Health at 70 Years of Age" Journal: Neurobiology of Aging (2023)
"Oxytocin stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis via oxytocin receptor expressed in CA3 pyramidal neurons" Journal: Nat Commun. 2017 Sep 14;8(1):537.
Oxytocin stimulates adult neurogenesis even under conditions of stress and elevated glucocorticoids" Journal: Hippocampus. 2012 Apr;22(4):861-8.
"Adult hypothalamic neurogenesis and sleep-wake dysfunction in aging" Journal: Sleep. 2021 Feb 12;44(2):zsaa173.
"Sleep and hippocampal neurogenesis: Implications for Alzheimer's disease" Journal: Front Neuroendocrinol. 2017 Apr;45:35-52.
"Memory consolidation during sleep and adult hippocampal neurogenesis" Journal: Neural Regen Res. 2019 Jan;14(1):20-23.
"Sleep and adult neurogenesis: implications for cognition and mood". Journal: Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2015;25:151-81.
-
Ready to make 2025 your most focused, productive, and fulfilling year? In this episode of Science Savvy, we’re diving into the neuroscience of habit formation, focus, and motivation. Learn five brain-backed strategies to start small, reward yourself, build flexibility, embrace accountability, and pre-decide your goals—all designed to help you stick to your resolutions and create lasting change. Whether you're looking to build healthier routines, master a new skill, or manage your relationship with social media, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you harness the power of your brain. Tune in and discover how to make this year your best one yet!
Bibliography:
Wise RA, Jordan CJ. Dopamine, behavior, and addiction. J Biomed Sci. 2021 Dec 2;28(1):83. This study discusses the role of dopamine in habit formation and learning, emphasizing its function in reinforcing behaviors through long-term potentiation (LTP). PMID: 34852810Lauretani F, et al. Dopamine Pharmacodynamics: New Insights. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 May 13;25(10):5293. - Explores the role of dopamine in neuromodulation and its ability to influence synaptic plasticity, highlighting its relevance in habit formation. PMID: 38791331Berlucchi G, Buchtel HA. Neuronal plasticity: historical roots and evolution of meaning. Exp Brain Res. 2009 Jan;192(3):307-19. - This article traces the concept of neuroplasticity and its link to learning and habit formation through synaptic changes. PMID: 19002678Talpos J, Shoaib M. Executive function. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2015;228:191-213. - Examines the role of the prefrontal cortex in executive function, including goal setting and habit regulation. PMID: 25977083 -
In this episode of Science Savvy, we're diving into the science of love—beyond just romance. From the neuroscience that drives attraction to the biology behind long-term bonding, we explore the fascinating mechanisms behind one of humanity’s most powerful emotions. Together with my friend Alejandra, we break down the stages of love—lust, attraction, and attachment—and discuss the roles of hormones like oxytocin, vasopressin, and dopamine in shaping how we connect with others. We also touch on the physical effects of love and how heartbreak can feel like real, physical pain. Whether you’re curious about why you get butterflies or how love helps us thrive, this episode offers both a deep dive into the science and a personal touch.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out the references below for further reading.
Further Reading:
Helen Fisher’s work on the neuroscience of loveResearch on oxytocin and vasopressin related to bonding and attachmentStudies on dopamine and cortisol in romantic relationshipsEvolutionary psychology texts on the biological purpose of loveResearch on the effects of heartbreak on brain activity and emotional regulationReferences:
Sharma, S. R., Gonda, X., Dome, P., & Tarazi, F. I. (2020). What's love got to do with it: Role of oxytocin in trauma, attachment, and resilience. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 214, 107602. DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107602Fisher, H., Aron, A., & Brown, L. L. (2005). Romantic love: An fMRI study of a neural mechanism for mate choice. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 493(1), 58-62. DOI: 10.1002/cne.20772Stein, D. J., & Vythilingum, B. (2009). Love and attachment: The psychobiology of social bonding. CNS Spectrums, 14(5), 239-242. DOI: 10.1017/s1092852900025384Acevedo, B. P., Poulin, M. J., Collins, N. L., & Brown, L. L. (2020). After the honeymoon: Neural and genetic correlates of romantic love in newlywed marriages. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 634. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00634 -
Join us for lots of giggles and lots of science! In this episode of Science Savvy, I am joined by my bestie of 10 years, Dasha, to dive into the science behind long-term friendships. We explore how your brain syncs up with your closest friends, how oxytocin makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, and why those group chats and weekend hangouts are actually boosting your health and happiness. Find out how your bestie might just be the key to living a longer, healthier life!
Further Reading and References:Dunbar, R. I. M. (2018). Friends: Understanding the Power of Our Most Important Relationships. Little, Brown Spark.Parkinson, C., Kleinbaum, A. M., & Wheatley, T. (2018). "Similar neural responses predict friendship." Nature Communications.Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). "Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review." PLoS Medicine.Lieberman, M. D. (2013). Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. Crown Publishers.Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). "Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis." Psychological Bulletin.Lunn, N. (2021). Conversations on Love. Viking.Holt-Lunstad, J. (2018). "Why social relationships are important for physical health: A systems approach to understanding and modifying risk and protection." Annual Review of Psychology.Haslam, C., & Jetten, J. (2014). "Social connectedness and health in older adults." Journal of Aging and Health.Roberts, S. G., & Dunbar, R. I. (2011). "Communication in social networks: Effects of kinship, network size, and emotional closeness." Personal Relationships.Langan, K. A., & Purvis, J. M. (2020). "Long-distance friendship maintenance: An application of expectancy violation theory and the investment model." Current Opinion in Psychology. -
What does ADHD actually feel like? Is it really a deficit, or could it be a difference? And how does social media and modern life play into attention struggles? In this episode of Science Savvy, I sit down with my brother Alex, who has ADHD, to explore these questions and more. Together, we dive into the science behind ADHD, including how neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine shape attention, and we discuss coping mechanisms, the role of medication, and even some surprising ADHD superpowers like hyperfocus and creativity. This episode is personal, insightful, and packed with practical tips. Join us for a candid sibling chat that breaks down the myths and empowers you to see ADHD in a whole new light.
Further reading / references:
Mindfulness-based interventions in ADHD: Lee, Y. C., et al. (2022). Effects of mindfulness-based interventions in children and adolescents with ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(22), 15198. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215198
van der Oord, S., Bögels, S. M., & Peijnenburg, D. (2012). The effectiveness of mindfulness training for children with ADHD and mindful parenting for their parents. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 21(1), 139-147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-011-9457-0
Norepinephrine and ADHD: Arnsten, A. F. T. (2009). The emerging neurobiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: The key role of the prefrontal association cortex. The Journal of Pediatrics, 154(5), I-S43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.01.018
Dopaminergic System in ADHD: Volkow, N. D., & Swanson, J. M. (2013). Clinical practice: Adult attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. The New England Journal of Medicine, 369(20), 1935-1944. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1212625
Pharmacology of ADHD Medications: Faraone, S. V., Biederman, J., & Mick, E. (2006). The age-dependent decline of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis of follow-up studies. Psychological Medicine, 36(2), 159-165. https://doi.org/10.1017/S003329170500471X
Swanson, J. M., & Volkow, N. D. (2002). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of medications for ADHD: A review of stimulant and nonstimulant formulations. Molecular Psychiatry, 8(7), 252-264. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.mp.4001326
Keng, S. L., Smoski, M. J., & Robins, C. J. (2011). Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(6), 1041-1056. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.04.006
ADHD and Entrepreneurship: Wiklund, J., Yu, W., Tucker, R., & Marino, L. D. (2017). ADHD, impulsivity, and entrepreneurship. Journal of Business Venturing, 32(6), 627-656. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2017.07.002
White, H. A., & Shah, P. (2011). Creative style and achievement in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Personality and Individual Differences, 50(5), 673-677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.12.015
Neurodiversity Perspective of ADHD: Armstrong, T. (2010). The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain. Da Capo Press.
Hyperfocus and ADHD: Ashinoff, B. K., & Abu-Akel, A. (2021). Hyperfocus: The forgotten frontier of attention. Psychological Research, 85, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-020-01420-w
-
Join me, Carmen, your host of Science Savvy, as I dive into the fascinating science of creativity! In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Alicia, a psychology-trained artist and entrepreneur, as we unpack how the brain fuels creativity from a medical and scientific perspective. We’ll explore the roles of the prefrontal cortex and default mode network, the surprising ways dopamine affects creative flow, and how simple lifestyle tweaks can unlock more imaginative thinking. Whether you’re an artist, a science enthusiast, or just curious, tune in to discover how creativity works and learn tips to boost your own creative potential.
Further reading / references:
Adnan, A., Beaty, R., Silvia, P., Spreng, R. N., & Turner, G. R. (2019). Creative aging: Functional brain networks associated with divergent thinking in older and younger adults. Neurobiology of Aging, 75, 150–158. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.11.004.
Kulisevsky, J., Pagonabarraga, J., & Martinez-Corral, M. (2009). Changes in artistic style and behaviour in Parkinson's disease: Dopamine and creativity. Journal of Neurology, 256(5), 816–819. doi:10.1007/s00415-009-5001-1.
Weinberger, A. B., Green, A. E., & Chrysikou, E. G. (2017). Using transcranial direct current stimulation to enhance creative cognition: Interactions between task, polarity, and stimulation site. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 246. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2017.00246.
Chi, R. P., & Snyder, A. W. (2012). Brain stimulation enables the solution of an inherently difficult problem. Neuroscience Letters, 515(2), 121–124. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2012.03.012.
-
In this episode, I’m diving deep into how your gut microbiome influences more than just digestion—it impacts your mood, mental health, and even your decisions! I'll break down fascinating science on the gut-brain connection, share surprising research on gut bacteria and depression, and give you practical tips for a healthier gut. Join me as we explore why taking care of what’s inside your belly can transform how you feel, think, and act. Let’s get savvy about gut health together!
Further reading / bibliography:
Bercik, P., Collins, S. M. (2014). The Effects of the Microbiota on the Central Nervous System and Behavioral Disorders. Gastroenterology, 146(6), 1449-1458. DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.02.037
Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(10), 701-712. DOI: 10.1038/nrn3346
Foster, J. A., Rinaman, L., & Cryan, J. F. (2017). Stress & the gut-brain axis: Regulation by the microbiome. Neurobiology of Stress, 7, 124-136. DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2017.03.001
Mayer, E. A., Padua, D., & Tillisch, K. (2014). Altered brain-gut axis in autism: comorbidity or causative mechanisms? BioEssays, 36(10), 933-939. DOI: 10.1002/bies.201400075
Clarke, G., Stilling, R. M., Kennedy, P. J., Stanton, C., Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2014). Minireview: Gut microbiota: The neglected endocrine organ. Molecular Endocrinology, 28(8), 1221-1238. DOI: 10.1210/me.2014-1108
Sampson, T. R., & Mazmanian, S. K. (2015). Control of brain development, function, and behavior by the microbiome. Cell Host & Microbe, 17(5), 565-576. DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2015.04.011
O'Mahony, S. M., Clarke, G., Dinan, T. G., & Cryan, J. F. (2015). Early-life adversity and brain development: Is the microbiome a missing piece of the puzzle? Neuroscience, 342, 37-54. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.068
Ridaura, V. K., et al. (2013). Gut microbiota from twins discordant for obesity modulate metabolism in mice. Science, 341(6150), 1241214. DOI: 10.1126/science.1241214
Dash, S., Clarke, G., Berk, M., & Jacka, F. N. (2015). The gut microbiome and diet in psychiatry: Focus on depression. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 28(1), 1-6. DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000117
Madra, M., & Ringel, Y. (2015). The role of probiotics in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 44(1), 159-175. DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2014.11.013
Jacka, F. N., et al. (2017). A randomized controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the 'SMILES' trial). BMC Medicine, 15, 23. DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0791-y
Staudacher, H. M., et al. (2017). Probiotic and prebiotic mechanisms to improve mental health via the gut-brain axis. Current Opinion in Pharmacology, 38, 69-77. DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2018.03.008
Kong, X., et al. (2020). Probiotics supplementation during antibiotic treatment reduces the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 115(6), 921-929. DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000601
Mills, J. P., et al. (2017). The Impact of Cesarean Delivery on the Diversity of the Infant Gut Microbiome. Microbial Ecology in Health & Disease, 28(1), 13777. DOI: 10.1080/16512235.2017.13777
-
Join me, Carmen, on Science Savvy as we dive into the mysteries of consciousness and self-awareness! In this episode, I’ll explore what it really means to be conscious, how self-awareness shapes our identity and self-esteem, and why some of these questions have puzzled scientists and philosophers for centuries. From Descartes' "I think, therefore I am" to modern neuroscience and theories like the "Astonishing Hypothesis," we’ll examine how genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences impact our sense of self.
Whether you’re curious about the science behind identity or the deeper philosophical questions about why we experience life as we do, this episode has something for you. Let’s get savvy about the brain together!
Further Reading:
Crick, F. (1994). The Astonishing Hypothesis: The Scientific Search for the Soul. Scribner.Chalmers, D. J. (1995). Facing up to the problem of consciousness. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 2(3), 200-219.Tononi, G. (2004). An information integration theory of consciousness. BMC Neuroscience, 5(42).Koch, C., Massimini, M., Boly, M., & Tononi, G. (2016). Neural correlates of consciousness: progress and problems. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 17(5), 307-321.Northoff, G., Heinzel, A., de Greck, M., Bermpohl, F., Dobrowolny, H., & Panksepp, J. (2006). Self-referential processing in our brain—A meta-analysis of imaging studies on the self. NeuroImage, 31(1), 440-457.Lieberman, M. D., & Eisenberger, N. I. (2009). Pains and pleasures of social life. Science, 323(5916), 890-891.Panksepp, J. (1998). Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions. Oxford University Press. -
This is one of our early interview episodes! We shared a microphone and I hadn't perfected my audio editing—check out our latest episodes for a more polished experience!
In this episode of Science Savvy, we're diving into the science of love—beyond just romance. From the neuroscience that drives attraction to the biology behind long-term bonding, we explore the fascinating mechanisms behind one of humanity’s most powerful emotions. Together with my friend Alejandra, we break down the stages of love—lust, attraction, and attachment—and discuss the roles of hormones like oxytocin, vasopressin, and dopamine in shaping how we connect with others. We also touch on the physical effects of love and how heartbreak can feel like real, physical pain. Whether you’re curious about why you get butterflies or how love helps us thrive, this episode offers both a deep dive into the science and a personal touch.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out the references below for further reading.
Further Reading:
Helen Fisher’s work on the neuroscience of loveResearch on oxytocin and vasopressin related to bonding and attachmentStudies on dopamine and cortisol in romantic relationshipsEvolutionary psychology texts on the biological purpose of loveResearch on the effects of heartbreak on brain activity and emotional regulationReferences:
Sharma, S. R., Gonda, X., Dome, P., & Tarazi, F. I. (2020). What's love got to do with it: Role of oxytocin in trauma, attachment, and resilience. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 214, 107602. DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107602Fisher, H., Aron, A., & Brown, L. L. (2005). Romantic love: An fMRI study of a neural mechanism for mate choice. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 493(1), 58-62. DOI: 10.1002/cne.20772Stein, D. J., & Vythilingum, B. (2009). Love and attachment: The psychobiology of social bonding. CNS Spectrums, 14(5), 239-242. DOI: 10.1017/s1092852900025384Acevedo, B. P., Poulin, M. J., Collins, N. L., & Brown, L. L. (2020). After the honeymoon: Neural and genetic correlates of romantic love in newlywed marriages. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 634. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00634 -
In this episode of Science Savvy, we tackle the age-old question: why do we even get periods? From evolutionary theories to hormonal rollercoasters, we break down the science behind all that bloating, mood swings, and acne. Why can’t we just get a text saying, "You’re not pregnant"? Join me as we explore why periods are a thing and how understanding your cycle can help you level up your workouts, social life, and creativity. It’s time to work with your body, not against it!
Further reading / references:
Profet, M. (1993). Menstruation as a defense against pathogens transported by sperm. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 68(3), 335-386.
Strassmann, B. I. (1996). The evolution of endometrial cycles and menstruation. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 71(2), 181-220.
Pawlowski, B. (1999). Loss of oestrus and concealed ovulation in human evolution: The case against the sexual-selection hypothesis. Current Anthropology, 40(3), 257-275.
Emera, D., Romero, R., & Wagner, G. (2012). The evolution of menstruation: A new model for genetic assimilation. BioEssays, 34(1), 26-35.
Hillard, P. J. A., & Speroff, L. (2019). Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. Wolters Kluwer Health.
Miller, G., Tybur, J. M., & Jordan, B. D. (2007). Ovulatory cycle effects on tip earnings by lap dancers: Economic evidence for human estrus? Evolution and Human Behavior, 28(6), 375-381.
Haselton, M. G., & Gildersleeve, K. (2011). Can men detect ovulation? Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(2), 87-92.
Johnson, S., Marriott, L., & Zinaman, M. (2018). Accuracy of an online fertility tracker. Journal of Women's Health, 27(4), 435-442.
Wilcox, A. J., Weinberg, C. R., & Baird, D. D. (1995). Timing of sexual intercourse in relation to ovulation. The New England Journal of Medicine, 333(23), 1517-1521.
Yang, Z., & Schank, J. C. (2006). Women do not synchronize their menstrual cycles. Human Nature, 17(4), 433-447.
Frank-Herrmann, P., et al. (2007). The effectiveness of a fertility awareness-based method to avoid pregnancy in relation to a couple's sexual behavior during the fertile time. Human Reproduction, 22(5), 1310-1319.
Berglund Scherwitzl, E., et al. (2017). Fertility awareness-based mobile application for contraception. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 22(5), 365-373.
-
This is one of our early interview episodes! We shared a microphone and I hadn't perfected my audio editing—check out our latest episodes for a more polished experience!
Join us for lots of giggles and lots of science! In this episode of Science Savvy, I am joined by my bestie of 10 years, Dasha, to dive into the science behind long-term friendships. We explore how your brain syncs up with your closest friends, how oxytocin makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, and why those group chats and weekend hangouts are actually boosting your health and happiness. Find out how your bestie might just be the key to living a longer, healthier life!
Further Reading and References:Dunbar, R. I. M. (2018). Friends: Understanding the Power of Our Most Important Relationships. Little, Brown Spark.Parkinson, C., Kleinbaum, A. M., & Wheatley, T. (2018). "Similar neural responses predict friendship." Nature Communications.Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). "Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review." PLoS Medicine.Lieberman, M. D. (2013). Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. Crown Publishers.Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). "Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis." Psychological Bulletin.Lunn, N. (2021). Conversations on Love. Viking.Holt-Lunstad, J. (2018). "Why social relationships are important for physical health: A systems approach to understanding and modifying risk and protection." Annual Review of Psychology.Haslam, C., & Jetten, J. (2014). "Social connectedness and health in older adults." Journal of Aging and Health.Roberts, S. G., & Dunbar, R. I. (2011). "Communication in social networks: Effects of kinship, network size, and emotional closeness." Personal Relationships.Langan, K. A., & Purvis, J. M. (2020). "Long-distance friendship maintenance: An application of expectancy violation theory and the investment model." Current Opinion in Psychology. -
This is the first pilot episode! Our style has evolved since then—check out our latest episodes for a more polished experience!
Welcome to the first episode of Science Savvy with Carmen! In this episode, I explore how our brains work as prediction machines to help us navigate everyday life. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I aim to demystify the science behind daily experiences—starting with how our brains predict and adapt to the world around us.
Key Topics Covered:Predictive Coding Model: How your brain uses past experiences to anticipate future events.Emotion Theories: Discover Lisa Feldman Barrett’s Constructed Emotion Theory and how emotions are predictions, not reactions.Brain Regions: Learn about the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and how they control your actions.Mental Health & Brain Predictions: I discuss the role of predictive mechanisms in conditions like schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety.Gambling & Dopamine: Why uncertainty in gambling triggers dopamine release, leading to addictive behaviors.Why Listen?If you’ve ever wondered how your brain is always one step ahead, predicting everything from the next note in a song to social interactions, this episode is for you. I’ll break down complex neuroscience into bite-sized insights that explain how our brains predict and respond to daily challenges.
Whether you're fascinated by brain science, interested in mental health, or curious about how emotions work, this episode offers practical insights and theories to help you understand the brain's powerful role in shaping your life.
Further reading and references:
Barrett, L. F. (2017). The theory of constructed emotion: An active inference account of interoception and categorization. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 12(1), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsw154 Friston, K. (2005). A theory of cortical responses. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 360(1456), 815-836. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2005.1622 Barbas, H. (2015). Generalization of the prefrontal cortex in primates: Principles and prediction models. Progress in Brain Research, 219, 27-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2015.03.001 Kilford, E. J., Garrett, E., & Blakemore, S. J. (2017). The development of social cognition in adolescence: An integrated perspective. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 70, 106-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.08.016 Redgrave, P., & Gurney, K. (2006). The short-latency dopamine signal: A role in discovering novel actions? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 7(12), 967-975. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2022 Schultz, W. (2016). Dopamine reward prediction error coding. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 18(1), 23-32. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2016.18.1/wschultz Ito, M. (2008). Control of mental activities by internal models in the cerebellum. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(4), 304-313. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2332 Buckner, R. L. (2010). The role of the hippocampus in prediction and imagination. Annual Review of Psychology, 61, 27-48. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163508 Schapiro, A. C., Turk-Browne, N. B., Botvinick, M. M., & Norman, K. A. (2017). Complementary learning systems within the hippocampus: A neural network modeling approach to memory consolidation. Hippocampus, 27(3), 244-256. https://doi.org/10.1002/hipo.22675 Rao, R. P. N., & Ballard, D. H. (1999). Predictive coding in the visual cortex: A functional interpretation of some extra-classical receptive-field effects. Nature Neuroscience, 2(1), 79-87. https://doi.org/10.1038/4580 Morris, R. G. (2006). Elements of a neurobiological theory of the hippocampus: The role of synaptic plasticity, synaptic tagging, and schemas. The European Journal of Neuroscience, 23(11), 2829-2846. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.04888.x Fiorillo, C. D., Tobler, P. N., & Schultz, W. (2003). Discrete coding of reward probability and uncertainty by dopamine neurons. Science, 299(5614), 1898-1902. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1077349 Behrens, T. E., Hunt, L. T., Woolrich, M. W., & Rushworth, M. F. S. (2008). Associative learning of social value. Nature, 456(7219), 245-249. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature07538 Powers, A. R., Mathys, C., & Corlett, P. R. (2017). Pavlovian conditioning–induced hallucinations result from overweighting of perceptual priors. Science, 357(6351), 596-600. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aan3458 Pellicano, E., & Burr, D. (2012). When the world becomes ‘too real’: A Bayesian explanation of autistic perception. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(10), 504-510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2012.08.009 Friston, K. J., Shiner, T., FitzGerald, T., Galea, J. M., Adams, R., Brown, H., Dolan, R. J., Moran, R., Stephan, K. E., & Bestmann, S. (2012). Dopamine, affordance, and active inference. PLoS Computational Biology, 8(1), e1002327. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002327 Griffiths, T. L., Lieder, F., & Goodman, N. D. (2015). Rational use of cognitive resources: Levels of analysis between the computational and the algorithmic. Topics in Cognitive Science, 7(2), 217-229. https://doi.org/10.1111/tops.12142 Wang, X.-J., & Krystal, J. H. (2014). Computational psychiatry. Neuron, 84(3), 638-654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2014.10.018 Clark, A. (2013). Whatever next? Predictive brains, situated agents, and the future of cognitive science. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 36(3), 181-204. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X12000477 Ma, W. J., Beck, J. M., Latham, P. E., & Pouget, A. (2006). Bayesian inference with probabilistic population codes. Nature Neuroscience, 9(11), 1432-1438. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn1790
