amazing video / talk about the brain and our "self"

[Locrian]

Really amazing video / talk about how our brain defines us.

Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: One morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. As it happened -- as she felt her brain functions slip away one by one, speech, movement, understanding -- she studied and remembered every moment. This is a powerful story about how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another.


http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/229

[oldtime dfl_er]

1. Fascinating!!

Neuroscience is in an exciting phase right now. Another good book, despite its tabloidy title, is "Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain" by Sharon Begley, I believe she is or was the science editor of the Wall Street Journal. Apparently there's evidence that, in contradtiction of everything we've been taught, the brain can create new cells. Remember how you always learned "You have as many brain cells as you're ever going to". Turns out it's probably not true.

There's a forward by the Dalai Lama, and a side story about how he (who is fascinated and well learned in neuroscience) gathers the great minds of neuroscience together with philosphers once a year at a conference where they discuss matters such as this, and the mind-brain questions. Man would I love to attend that!

[navarth]

2. Wow. k&r

Thanks for this. Wow.

[Locrian]

3. yeah. wasnt prepared for the emotional impact at the end.

[jimshoes]

4. What an incredible journey that

woman has taken. The whole right brain/left brain phenomenon is such a wonderment in itself it leaves one in awe. Stangely, I am reminded of the mid 60's LSD fad and its mind altering effects that seem to mimick what the lady was speaking about.

[Locrian]

5. LSD

I did a paper way back on LSD and it does seem to be able to disconnect the right / left half of the brain.

It (LSD) can also "cross wire" so that you see sound, hear colors, etc. Not that I ever did any "hands on" experimentation!!

[navarth]

6. Legalize Spiritual Discovery

LSD was really kool, kinda miss it. Check this out:

http://www.lsd.info/E_start.html