How to Improve at Learning Using Neuroscience & AI | Dr. Terry Sejnowski

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Terry Sejnowski, Ph.D., professor of computational neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. He is world-renowned for exploring how our brain processes and stores information and, with that understanding, for developing tools that enable us to markedly improve our ability to learn all types of information and skills. We discuss how to learn most effectively in order to truly master a subject or skill. Dr. Sejnowski explains how to use AI tools to forage for new information, generate ideas, predict the future, and assist in analyzing health data and making health-related decisions. We also explore non-AI strategies to enhance learning and creativity, including how specific types of exercise can improve mitochondrial function and cognitive performance. Listeners will gain insights into how computational methods and AI are transforming our understanding of brain function, learning, and memory, as well as the emerging roles of these tools in addressing personal health and treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Read the full show notes for this episode: https://go.hubermanlab.com/IRFAS30 Pre-order Andrew's new book, Protocols: https://go.hubermanlab.com/protocols *Thank you to our sponsors* AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman *Dr. Terry Sejnowski* Salk Institute academic profile: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/terrence-sejnowski Books: https://amzlink.to/az0l36dRaKyxv Lab website: https://cnl.salk.edu Publications: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/terrence-sejnowski/publications UC San Diego: https://biology.ucsd.edu/research/faculty/tsejnowski Coursera courses: https://www.coursera.org/instructor/terry Substack: https://terrysejnowski.substack.com X: https://x.com/sejnowski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-sejnowski-b89b7b122 *Timestamps* 00:00:00 Dr. Terry Sejnowski 00:02:32 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Helix Sleep 00:05:19 Brain Structure & Function, Algorithmic Level 00:11:49 Basal Ganglia; Learning & Value Function 00:15:23 Value Function, Reward & Punishment 00:19:14 Cognitive vs. Procedural Learning, Active Learning, AI 00:25:56 Learning & Brain Storage 00:30:08 Traveling Waves, Sleep Spindles, Memory 00:32:08 Sponsors: AG1 & David 00:34:57 Tool: Increase Sleep Spindles; Memory, Ambien; Prescription Drugs 00:42:02 Psilocybin, Brain Connectivity 00:45:58 Tool: ‘Learning How to Learn’ Course 00:49:36 Learning, Generational Differences, Technology, Social Media 00:58:37 Sponsors: LMNT & Joovv 01:01:06 Draining Experiences, AI & Social Media 01:06:52 Vigor & Aging, Continued Learning, Tool: Exercise & Mitochondrial Function 01:12:17 Tool: Cognitive Velocity; Quick Stressors, Mitochondria 01:16:58 AI, Imagined Futures, Possibilities 01:27:14 AI & Mapping Potential Options, Schizophrenia 01:30:56 Schizophrenia, Ketamine, Depression 01:36:15 AI, “Idea Pump,” Analyzing Research 01:42:11 AI, Medicine & Diagnostic Tool; Predicting Outcomes 01:50:04 Parkinson’s Disease; Cognitive Velocity & Variables; Amphetamines 01:59:49 Free Will; Large Language Model (LLM), Personalities & Learning 02:12:40 Tool: Idea Generation, Mind Wandering, Learning 02:18:18 Dreams, Unconscious, Types of Dreams 02:22:56 Future Projects, Brain & Self-Attention 02:31:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter #HubermanLab #Neuroscience #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Science Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer

Andrew HubermanhostTerry Sejnowskiguest

Nov 18, 20242h 34mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: November 18, 2024
Duration: 2h 34m
Channel: Huberman Lab
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Terry Sejnowski, Ph.D., professor of computational neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. He is world-renowned for exploring how our brain processes and stores information and, with that understanding, for developing tools that enable us to markedly improve our ability to learn all types of information and skills. We discuss how to learn most effectively in order to truly master a subject or skill. Dr. Sejnowski explains how to use AI tools to forage for new information, generate ideas, predict the future, and assist in analyzing health data and making health-related decisions. We also explore non-AI strategies to enhance learning and creativity, including how specific types of exercise can improve mitochondrial function and cognitive performance. Listeners will gain insights into how computational methods and AI are transforming our understanding of brain function, learning, and memory, as well as the emerging roles of these tools in addressing personal health and treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Read the full show notes for this episode: https://go.hubermanlab.com/IRFAS30 Pre-order Andrew's new book, Protocols: https://go.hubermanlab.com/protocols *Thank you to our sponsors* AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman *Dr. Terry Sejnowski* Salk Institute academic profile: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/terrence-sejnowski Books: https://amzlink.to/az0l36dRaKyxv Lab website: https://cnl.salk.edu Publications: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/terrence-sejnowski/publications UC San Diego: https://biology.ucsd.edu/research/faculty/tsejnowski Coursera courses: https://www.coursera.org/instructor/terry Substack: https://terrysejnowski.substack.com X: https://x.com/sejnowski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-sejnowski-b89b7b122 *Timestamps* 00:00:00 Dr. Terry Sejnowski 00:02:32 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Helix Sleep 00:05:19 Brain Structure & Function, Algorithmic Level 00:11:49 Basal Ganglia; Learning & Value Function 00:15:23 Value Function, Reward & Punishment 00:19:14 Cognitive vs. Procedural Learning, Active Learning, AI 00:25:56 Learning & Brain Storage 00:30:08 Traveling Waves, Sleep Spindles, Memory 00:32:08 Sponsors: AG1 & David 00:34:57 Tool: Increase Sleep Spindles; Memory, Ambien; Prescription Drugs 00:42:02 Psilocybin, Brain Connectivity 00:45:58 Tool: ‘Learning How to Learn’ Course 00:49:36 Learning, Generational Differences, Technology, Social Media 00:58:37 Sponsors: LMNT & Joovv 01:01:06 Draining Experiences, AI & Social Media 01:06:52 Vigor & Aging, Continued Learning, Tool: Exercise & Mitochondrial Function 01:12:17 Tool: Cognitive Velocity; Quick Stressors, Mitochondria 01:16:58 AI, Imagined Futures, Possibilities 01:27:14 AI & Mapping Potential Options, Schizophrenia 01:30:56 Schizophrenia, Ketamine, Depression 01:36:15 AI, “Idea Pump,” Analyzing Research 01:42:11 AI, Medicine & Diagnostic Tool; Predicting Outcomes 01:50:04 Parkinson’s Disease; Cognitive Velocity & Variables; Amphetamines 01:59:49 Free Will; Large Language Model (LLM), Personalities & Learning 02:12:40 Tool: Idea Generation, Mind Wandering, Learning 02:18:18 Dreams, Unconscious, Types of Dreams 02:22:56 Future Projects, Brain & Self-Attention 02:31:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter #HubermanLab #Neuroscience #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Science Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer

SPEAKERS

Andrew Huberman
host
Terry Sejnowski
guest

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Huberman Lab, featuring Andrew Huberman and Terry Sejnowski, How to Improve at Learning Using Neuroscience & AI | Dr. Terry Sejnowski explores neuroscience, Algorithms, And AI Reveal Simple Rules For Better Learning Andrew Huberman interviews computational neuroscientist Dr. Terry Sejnowski about how algorithms in the brain and in AI can dramatically improve learning, motivation, and treatment of brain disorders. Sejnowski explains that a single reinforcement-learning–like value function, implemented via dopamine and the basal ganglia, underlies our motivation, skill acquisition, and many social behaviors. They explore why procedural practice is indispensable for real mastery, how sleep and exercise enhance memory via mechanisms like sleep spindles and mitochondria, and how AI can be used as an ‘idea pump’ and research partner rather than a human replacement. The conversation also touches on disorders such as Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, and depression, and how insights from neuromodulators, metabolism, and AI may reshape their treatment.

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