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

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.

Articles

• A Framework for Mesencephalic Dopamine Systems Based on Predictive Hebbian Learning (The Journal of Neuroscience)
• Pyramidal cell types drive functionally distinct cortical activity patterns during decision-making (Nature Neuroscience)
• The Critical Role of Sleep Spindles in Hippocampal-Dependent Memory: A Pharmacology Study (The Journal of Neuroscience)
• The prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in Shanghai, China: Impact of age, gender, and education (Annals of Neurolgy)
• Running enhances neurogenesis, learning, and long-term potentiation in mice (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
• Dermatologist-like explainable AI enhances trust and confidence in diagnosing melanoma (Nature Communications)

Books

• The Computational Brain, 25th Anniversary Edition (Computational Neuroscience Series)
• Learning How to Learn: How to Succeed in School Without Spending All Your Time Studying; A Guide for Kids and Teens
• ChatGPT and the Future of AI: The Deep Language Revolution
• Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will
• Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will
• The Dreaming Brain

Other Resources

• AlphaGo
• Learning How to Learn (free course)
• Sunset at Salk Institute
• Coursera
• Claude
• Gemini
• Learn About

Huberman Lab Episodes Mentioned

• Optimal Protocols for Studying & Learning
• Guest Series | Dr. Matt Walker: The Biology of Sleep & Your Unique Sleep Needs
• Dr. Gina Poe: Use Sleep to Enhance Learning, Memory & Emotional State
• Dr. Martha Beck: Access Your Best Self With Mind-Body Practices, Belief Testing & Imagination

People Mentioned

• Ben Barres: Professor of Neuroscience, Stanford
• Geoffrey Hinton: Professor of Computer Science, University of Toronto
• Chris Palmer: Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
• Rusty Gage: Professor of Genetics, Salk Institute
• H. Craig Heller: Professor of Biology, Stanford University
• John Reynolds: Professor of Systems Neurobiology, Salk Institute