Watch Examining the Brain for free

Five leading neuroscientists explore key discoveries and emerging insights in brain science, from sensory processing and brain plasticity to autism research and genetic influences on neurodevelopment. Featured experts include Jennifer Groh (Duke University), Jay Gargus (UC Irvine), Miguel Nicolelis (Duke University), Kalanit Grill-Spector (Stanford University), and Stephen Scherer (University of Toronto). Jennifer Groh (Duke) explains the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and reorganize—illustrating how individuals with hearing impairments can learn to interpret sound through cochlear implants. Jay Gargus (UC Irvine), a physician-scientist specializing in genetics, discusses the genetic underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism, and how inherited traits and mutations may contribute to complex brain function differences. Miguel Nicolelis (Duke), a pioneer in brain-machine interfaces, explores the brain’s predictive role, showing how it anticipates future events and adapts behavior accordingly—a fundamental insight with broad implications for neuroscience and AI. Kalanit Grill-Spector (Stanford) maps out the functional regions of the brain, using cutting-edge neuroimaging to reveal how different areas process visual information, recognize objects, and interpret the world. Stephen Scherer (University of Toronto), a world authority on autism genomics, examines how advances in genetic research are reshaping our understanding of autism spectrum disorders and opening new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. Howard Burton (Ideas Roadshow) is a distinguished Canadian academic, interviewer, and cultural content creator whose work bridges global scholarship with accessible public engagement.