John Myers received his doctoral degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio and is now a postdoctoral researcher at Baylor College of Medicine. His research involves studying the human brain as it performs complex cognitive tasks. A key goal of John’s work is to better understand the ways in which our brain cells effortlessly work together to convert abstract mental representations into actions. These questions are addressed by combining conventional neuroscience techniques with machine learning. John is also pursuing a project to explore how patient-specific deep-brain stimulation can be used to treat depression.
TOPIC
The rhythms of the brain.
SHORT TALK DESCRIPTION
Our brains are amazing. Billions of brain cells and trillions of connections make up who we are by generating our deepest thoughts and feelings. The basis of brain cell communication relies heavily on rhythm. Whether we are walking, talking, singing, or dancing, rhythm is a critical part of who we are. Neuroscientists have discovered that brain cells respond in sync with the rhythm of incoming information. Sights and sounds have a wave-like nature that our brains have evolved to comprehend, and even our focused attention has a natural rhythm to it. Unfortunately, when our brains are out of rhythm, we can lose touch with our current goals or even with distant memories. John Myers’ talk details how the brain “sings” in rhythm with Mother Nature. Perhaps most importantly, modern research suggests that we can even heal mental wounds and restore lost cognitive function by acknowledging and working to better understand these rhythms.
TEDx QUOTE
“I was very excited to hear about my acceptance to give a talk at TEDx San Antonio. I had just gotten home from my work in the operating room.”