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

**Andrew Huberman** (0:00)
Welcome to the Huberman Lab Podcast, where we discuss science and science-based tools for everyday life.
I'm Andrew Huberman, and I'm a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. My guest today is Dr. Terry Sejnowski. Dr. Terry Sejnowski is a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where he directs the Computational Neurobiology Laboratory. And as his title suggests, he is a computational neuroscientist. That is, he uses math as well as artificial intelligence and computing methods to understand this overarching, ultra-important question of how the brain works. Now, I realize that when people hear terms like computational neuroscience, algorithms, large language models, and AI, that it can be a bit overwhelming and even intimidating. But I assure you that the purpose of Dr. Sejnowski's work, and indeed today's discussion, is all about using those methods to clarify how the brain works and indeed to simplify the answer to that question. So for instance, today you will learn that regardless of who you are, regardless of your experience, that all your motivation in all domains of life is governed by a simple algorithm or equation. Dr. Sejnowski explains how a single rule, a single learning rule, drives all of our motivation-related behaviors. And it of course relates to the neuromodulator dopamine. And if you're familiar with dopamine as a term, today, you will really understand how dopamine works to drive your levels of motivation or, in some cases, lack of motivation and how to overcome that lack of motivation. Today, we also discuss how best to learn. Dr. Sejnowski shares not just information about how the brain works, but also practical tools that he and colleagues have developed, including a zero-cost online portal that teaches you how to learn better based on your particular learning style. The way that you, in particular, forge for information and implement that information. Dr. Sejnowski also explains how he himself uses physical exercise of a particular type in order to enhance his cognition, that is, his brain's ability to learn information and to come up with new ideas. Today, we also discuss both the healthy brain and the diseased brain in conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and how particular tools that relate to mitochondrial function can, perhaps, be used in order to treat various diseases, including Alzheimer's dementia. I'm certain that by the end of today's episode, you will have learned a tremendous amount of new knowledge about how your brain works and practical tools that you can implement in your daily life. Before we begin, I'd like to emphasize that this podcast is separate from my teaching and research roles at Stanford. It is, however, part of my desire and effort to bring zero cost to consumer information about science and science-related tools to the general public. In keeping with that theme, I'd like to thank the sponsors of today's podcast. Our first sponsor is BetterHelp. BetterHelp offers professional therapy with a licensed therapist carried out completely online. I've been doing weekly therapy for well over 30 years. Initially, I didn't have a choice. It was a condition of being allowed to stay in school, but pretty soon I realized that therapy is an extremely important component to one's overall health. In fact, I consider doing regular therapy just as important as getting regular exercise, including cardiovascular exercise and resistance training, which, of course, I also do every single week. Now, there are essentially three things that great therapy provides. First of all, it provides a good rapport with somebody that you can trust and talk to about essentially all issues that you want to. Second of all, great therapy provides support in the form of emotional support or simply directed guidance, what to do or what not to do in given areas of your life. And third, expert therapy can provide you useful insights that you would not have been able to arrive at on your own. Better Help makes it very easy to find an expert therapist who you really resonate with and that can provide you the benefits I just mentioned that come with effective therapy. If you'd like to try Better Help, go to betterhelp.com/huberman to get 10% off your first month. Again, that's betterhelp.com/huberman. Today's episode is also brought to us by Helix Sleep. Helix Sleep makes mattresses and pillows that are customized to your unique sleep needs. Now, I've spoken many times before on this and other podcasts about the fact that getting a great night's sleep is the foundation of mental health, physical health, and performance. 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