Scientific American Frontiers Season 13 Episode 2 Make Up Your Mind

Make Up Your Mind is the second episode of Scientific American Frontiers season 13. In this episode, host Alan Alda explores the mysteries of the human brain and how our brains make decisions.

One of the most fascinating questions scientists are trying to answer is how our brains make decisions. For this episode, Alda visits neuroscientists and researchers who are studying the different parts of the brain responsible for decision-making. He learns about the different techniques that scientists are using to map the brain and understand its functions.

One of the key areas of research is the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive function. This area of the brain is crucial for making decisions, planning and organizing our thoughts, and controlling our emotions. Scientists are studying the prefrontal cortex to understand how it processes information and how it interacts with other parts of the brain.

In one segment, Alda meets with neuroscientist Dr. David Redish at the University of Minnesota to learn about his research on rats and decision making. Redish has trained rats to play a video game where they have to make decisions about which direction to turn based on visual cues. By studying the rats' behavior, Redish hopes to gain insights into how the brain makes decisions.

Another area of research Alda explores is the connection between emotions and decision-making. He meets with Dr. Antonio Damasio at the University of Southern California, who has pioneered research on the role of emotions in decision-making. Damasio's research shows that our emotions play a crucial role in guiding our decisions, and that damage to the emotional centers of the brain can lead to poor decision-making.

Alda also visits the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to learn about cutting-edge research on brain-machine interfaces. Scientists at MIT are developing technology that allows people to control machines with their thoughts. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the lives of people with paralysis or other disabilities.

Throughout the episode, Alda also explores the ethical implications of brain research, such as the potential for brain-machine interfaces to be used for surveillance or mind control. He speaks with ethicists and neuroscientists to better understand the complex ethical questions raised by these technologies.

Overall, Make Up Your Mind is a fascinating exploration of the human brain and how it makes decisions. Alda's interviews with leading researchers in the field provide insights into the latest research and the challenges facing scientists as they work to understand the mysteries of the mind. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intricacies of the human brain.