How We're Wired

Focus - When We See Faces

How We're Wired

Show Notes

How do we recognise faces? What part of the brain helps us discern a stranger from a friend? And could you be a Super Recogniser? In this focus episode of How We’re Wired, join producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as she explores the science of facial recognition, from face blindness to the brains of those who are exceptional at recalling faces, and the tests you can do to discover if you have the skill. With special thanks to Josh Davis. 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.

More from How We're Wired

Nov 15, 2023

What do you want to know about the brain? What mysteries of human behaviour do you want to understand? And what incredible awards has How We're Wired won in the 13th Annual Lovies? In this special episode, Dr Anna Machin shares some good news, and asks a quick favour... Send questions to: [email protected] 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.

Jul 26, 2023

How do our brains get wired up in the womb? Why is it important that nerve cells find the correct partners to form connections? And how has our understanding of this vital process changed over the last 40 years? In this special episode, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin and producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as they uncover how our brains get wired up with Brain Prize 2023 winner Professor Christine Holt. Plus, hear them reflect on some of their favourite moments - and key takeaways - from the show. With special thanks to Christine Holt. 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.

Jul 19, 2023

How We're Wired season 1's final episode will be with you next week, but in the meantime, why not check out our sister podcast Ocean Matters? Our ocean is the earth's defining feature. But the blue of our blue planet is so much more than just a colour. It is rich with life and plays an important role in keeping our planet stable and healthy. Worryingly, we are seeing our ocean change, for the worse. In Ocean Matters, you can join oceanographer and physicist Dr Helen Czerski as she meets the scientists who are working to save our ocean and marine life in one of the most remote parts of our planet. Here you can listen to a clip as she takes us on a journey to the deep sea… How We're Wired and Ocean Matters are Fresh Air productions for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 5, 2023

What does it mean to be in a coma? How can we tell if someone on life support is actually conscious? And how can scientists use synchronised heart rhythms to predict which comatose patients are likely to wake up? In this focus episode of How We’re Wired, join producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as she explores the neuroscience of coma – from the challenges in knowing for certain that someone isn't conscious, to novel techniques that might help families choose when to cease life support. With special thanks to Marzia De Lucia. 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.

Jun 21, 2023

What happens in our brains when we die? Where does consciousness come from? And what can out of body experiences teach us about how we create our own realities? In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she unpicks the neuroscience of death and consciousness, from brain activity during near-death experiences, to the complexities of how we embody ourselves. With special thanks to Gillian, Olaf Blanke, and Kevin Nelson. 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.

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