Andrew Huberman, Ph.D.

Tomorrow I host a MD who specializes in male AND female urology & pelvic medicine, on the Huberman Lab podcast. Please put questions about these topics below. I will read them and address the guest accordingly. Thank you for your interest in science!

Unity.

The fuller picture on dopamine and what it does in our brain. From Dr Robert Malenka MD, PhD of @StanfordMed - who for decades has been a world leader in studies neuroplasticity, dopamine & other reward systems- and now is also working on social reinforcement, empathy and autism.

The new reveri app is very useful for science/clinically-supported hypnosis for sleep, focus, stress relief etc. They have a zero-cost hypnotizability test. Hypnosis basically = “meditation to solve a specific problem via neuroplasticity”. Reveri.com

A new study found that just one 5min deliberate cold exposure session (20C/68F; which isn’t that cold!) elevated mood & reduced negative affect & changed resting state connectivity in brain networks associated with positive affect (for the “better”). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36829490/

New Huberman Lab podcast out now: BRAIN REWARD CIRCUITS THAT DRIVE BEHAVIORS & EMPATHY w/Dr Robert Malenka of @StanfordMed •Dopamine & Serotonin Reinforcement •Addiction •Reinforcing Healthy Habits •Social Reward, Empathy •Reward Differences in Autism https://hubermanlab.com/dr-robert-malenka-how-your-brains-reward-circuits-drive-your-choices/

When we think of dopamine as “reinforcing” (of thoughts & behaviors) as opposed to dopamine being “rewarding”, the basis of many maladaptive choices, trauma-patterns, addictions etc. become clear(er). That won’t resolve them but it is a key first step. What gets reinforced gets repeated & eventually becomes reflexive.

In a recent class I taught @stanford we read & applied data-supported tools on how to learn/neuroplasticity. Among the most effective tools: periodically thinking back on material *in a structured way* & figuring out where your gaps in knowledge remain, reread & repeat. It outperforms note taking. (But also take notes).

It’s kind of ridiculous how happy notetaking on a whiteboard for the Huberman Lab podcast makes me especially when I can roll it outside. Get your sunlight in your eyes folks. Every day! Especially on cloudy days!

First ever Journal Club with Dr Peter Attia, MD, took place today- discussed one paper on longevity and Metformin, and another paper on mindsets and their effects on the brain. The episode should be out in a few weeks or so. Stay tuned! Also, sorry that this photo is of our mids— it was shared directly from Instagram. I’m figuring sooner or later they will figure out how we can adjust the cover of photos and videos that get migrated in.

Amazing research on mindsets and how to improve. Having a growth mindset is necessary, but not sufficient. You also have to change your attitude about stress. Fortunately, this is possible.

Costello Huberman was the source of all the background snoring during the early days of recording the Huberman Lab podcast. He is gone now, but lived a solid 11 years.