R. Douglas Fields
Exploring New Frontiers in Neuroscience
R. Douglas Fields
Exploring New Frontiers in Neuroscience
Dr. R. Douglas Fields walks us through some of his fascinating discoveries in neuroscience. In the first part of his talk, he describes the research identifying neural circuits responsible for sudden aggression - from road rage to violence that fills the daily news. In the second part (starting at 28:54), he presents the roles and functioning of glia - strange brain cells that communicate without electricity. Glia comprise 85% of all cells in the brain and play very important roles, yet they were largely overlooked until recently.
We all wish to believe that we are in control of our actions, but the fact is, in certain circumstances we are not. The right trigger in the right circumstance can cause almost anyone to snap. Dr. Fields has spent years trying to understand the biological basis of rage. He shows that it is the result of the clash between our evolutionary hardwiring and triggers in our contemporary world.
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