How We're Wired

What is the brain made of? How is it built in the womb? And what impact does preterm labour have on brain development?

In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she explores the beginnings of the human brain. We’ll visit an ultrasound clinic to observe foetal brain structures and hear how the earliest brain cells develop in the womb, plus visit a biotechnology lab in Switzerland working hard to protect immature brains.

With special thanks to Lisa Goodrich, David Baud, Erick Garcia Cordero, Loulia Kassem, Kristen, and Edel.

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Subscribe or follow now so you never miss an episode.

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Love. Touch. Speech. Movement. Consciousness.

What do they all have in common?

From before birth to after death, our brains underpin our experiences and feelings. They make us who we are. But how?

In How We’re Wired, evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin goes behind the scenes of cutting-edge of neuroscience research to uncover the fascinating stories of how our brains grow, change, and ultimately die.

Together, we’ll meet the scientists exploding our understanding of how the brain works and head into labs developing life-changing technologies. From hormones to heartbreak, we’re exploring true, personal stories of people’s lives – and brains - from birth to death, taking a deep look at the science that explains us all.

This is How We’re Wired from The Bertarelli Foundation. Subscribe or follow now for free, wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode.

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How do we smell? What role does our sense of smell play in our closest relationships? And how are brands creating scents to keep us coming back for more?

In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she unpicks the science of smell, from how your sense of smell changes over your lifetime to a visit to a perfumer creating olfactory memories.

With special thanks to Duncan Boak, Carl Philpott, and Dawn Goldworm.

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.

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What is a memory made of? Which parts of the brain help us remember? And what can taxi drivers’ brains tell us about how memories are made?

In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she dives into the science of memory, and how we remember. We’ll unpick the structures of the brain that are involved in making memories, and attend an MRI scan of a London cabbie to understand what makes London drivers’ brains so fascinating to neuroscientists.

With special thanks to Mark, Stephanie, Amy Milton, and Hugo Spiers.

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Subscribe or follow now so you never miss an episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s happening in our brains when we sleep? Why are autistic people more likely to struggle with sleep? And how might new sleep technology help improve memory?

In this episode of How We’re Wired, join producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as she looks at how autism affects sleep, and why devices that record brain activity could help autistic people get better rest, and everyone improve their ability to remember.

With special thanks to Dara Manoach and Brian Baxter.

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.