How to Improve at Learning Using Neuroscience & AI | Dr. Terry Sejnowski

Andrew Huberman

Nov 18, 2024

Episode description

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Terry Sejnowski, Ph.D., professor of computational neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. He is world-renowned for exploring how our brain processes and stores information and, with that understanding, for developing tools that enable us to markedly improve our ability to learn all types of information and skills.

We discuss how to learn most effectively in order to truly master a subject or skill. Dr. Sejnowski explains how to use AI tools to forage for new information, generate ideas, predict the future, and assist in analyzing health data and making health-related decisions.

We also explore non-AI strategies to enhance learning and creativity, including how specific types of exercise can improve mitochondrial function and cognitive performance. Listeners will gain insights into how computational methods and AI are transforming our understanding of brain function, learning, and memory, as well as the emerging roles of these tools in addressing personal health and treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Read the full show notes for this episode: https://go.hubermanlab.com/IRFAS30

Pre-order Andrew's new book, Protocols: https://go.hubermanlab.com/protocols

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*Dr. Terry Sejnowski*
Salk Institute academic profile: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/terrence-sejnowski
Books: https://amzlink.to/az0l36dRaKyxv
Lab website: https://cnl.salk.edu
Publications: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/terrence-sejnowski/publications
UC San Diego: https://biology.ucsd.edu/research/faculty/tsejnowski
Coursera courses: https://www.coursera.org/instructor/terry
Substack: https://terrysejnowski.substack.com
X: https://x.com/sejnowski
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-sejnowski-b89b7b122

*Timestamps*
00:00:00 Dr. Terry Sejnowski
00:02:32 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Helix Sleep
00:05:19 Brain Structure & Function, Algorithmic Level
00:11:49 Basal Ganglia; Learning & Value Function
00:15:23 Value Function, Reward & Punishment
00:19:14 Cognitive vs. Procedural Learning, Active Learning, AI
00:25:56 Learning & Brain Storage
00:30:08 Traveling Waves, Sleep Spindles, Memory
00:32:08 Sponsors: AG1 & David
00:34:57 Tool: Increase Sleep Spindles; Memory, Ambien; Prescription Drugs
00:42:02 Psilocybin, Brain Connectivity
00:45:58 Tool: ‘Learning How to Learn’ Course
00:49:36 Learning, Generational Differences, Technology, Social Media
00:58:37 Sponsors: LMNT & Joovv
01:01:06 Draining Experiences, AI & Social Media
01:06:52 Vigor & Aging, Continued Learning, Tool: Exercise & Mitochondrial Function
01:12:17 Tool: Cognitive Velocity; Quick Stressors, Mitochondria
01:16:58 AI, Imagined Futures, Possibilities
01:27:14 AI & Mapping Potential Options, Schizophrenia
01:30:56 Schizophrenia, Ketamine, Depression
01:36:15 AI, “Idea Pump,” Analyzing Research
01:42:11 AI, Medicine & Diagnostic Tool; Predicting Outcomes
01:50:04 Parkinson’s Disease; Cognitive Velocity & Variables; Amphetamines
01:59:49 Free Will; Large Language Model (LLM), Personalities & Learning
02:12:40 Tool: Idea Generation, Mind Wandering, Learning
02:18:18 Dreams, Unconscious, Types of Dreams
02:22:56 Future Projects, Brain & Self-Attention
02:31:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

#HubermanLab #Neuroscience #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Science

Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Enhance cognitive reserve through education to delay Alzheimer's onset

A study in China suggested that people with more education had a later onset of Alzheimer's, possibly because exercising the brain builds more cognitive reserve for later in life.

#Alzheimer's

#education

Utilize ketamine to combat depression through excitatory effects

Ketamine may treat depression by inducing a 'touch of schizophrenia,' using its over-excitatory effects to rebalance the under-excited state of a depressed brain.

#depression

#ketamine

Revitalize mitochondria to combat age-related energy loss

A key reason we have less energy as we get older is that our cellular power plants, the mitochondria, run down, becoming fewer and less efficient.

#aging

#mitochondria

Engage with AI politely to reduce cognitive fatigue

Interacting with AI politely as if it were a human can reduce cognitive fatigue because it engages your brain's pre-wired, effortless social circuits.

#AI

#mental-health

Balance Ambien's memory benefits with awareness of memory loss

The sleep aid Ambien (Zolpidem) can double memory-consolidating sleep spindles, improving recall of past events, but it can also wipe out memories of events that happen after you take it.

#memory

#sleep

Enroll in 'Learning How to Learn' for efficient skill acquisition

A free, massive open online course (MOOC) called 'Learning How to Learn' can help you learn more efficiently, with its peak demographic being adults aged 25-35 who need to learn new skills for their careers.

#education

Reinstate procedural learning to enhance mastery in education

Schools are making a mistake by de-emphasizing procedural learning (practice and problem-solving), which is essential for mastery and works hand-in-hand with cognitive learning.

#education

Understand brain's motivation algorithm to enhance reward prediction

All of our motivation is governed by a simple algorithm that predicts the next reward you're going to get, constantly updating a 'value function' in your brain.