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Sentience

Daniel Toker
Sentience
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  • 11. Shaolei Ren, PhD on AI’s Hidden Environmental Costs and the Path to Sustainable Computing
    In this episode of Sentience, we speak with Shaolei Ren, PhD, about the hidden environmental footprint of artificial intelligence. From the enormous water and energy demands of data centers to the trade-offs between carbon emissions and cooling needs, Ren explains how his research uncovers these overlooked costs. We discuss geographical load balancing, fairness in resource allocation, brain-inspired computing, and how tech companies can improve transparency. This conversation explores how to build a greener, more equitable future for AI.Timestamps(00:00) – Introduction and Shaolei Ren’s journey into AI and environmentalism(02:10) – The physical reality of AI: data centers, hardware, and energy use(04:10) – Water as the overlooked resource in AI training and cooling(07:59) – Why data centers need cooling and how it drives environmental impact(10:15) – Geographical load balancing: shifting workloads to save resources(13:21) – Trade-offs between carbon footprint and water consumption(15:24) – Algorithms for efficiency and fairness in AI’s environmental impact(17:12) – Defining and measuring fairness across regions(20:37) – How tech companies can improve sustainability and transparency(22:19) – Learning from the brain: energy-efficient, brain-inspired AI(26:06) – Personal use of AI, individual vs. systemic impact, and cost–benefit thinking(29:37) – AI as a tool to fight climate change and optimize renewable energy(30:32) – The future of greener, more intelligent AI systems(34:34) – Public health impacts and power grid considerations(36:35) – Closing thoughts on transparency, user awareness, and a sustainable AI future
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  • 10. Barbara Finlay, PhD on how brains develop and evolve
    In this episode, I speak with evolutionary neuroscientist Barbara Finlay, PhD, whose pioneering research has reshaped our understanding of brain evolution. Barbara shares her scientific journey, from her early inspiration in vision science to her groundbreaking discoveries about how brains scale and evolve. We explore how brains self-organize to process sensory information, why humans don't have a uniquely special cortex, and what the evolutionary transition from water to land meant for brain development and consciousness. This conversation dives deep into how evolution shapes neural architecture, uncovering principles that bridge species from sharks to humans, and raises fascinating new questions about consciousness, memory, language, and AI. Whether you're a scientist, student, or simply curious, Barbara’s insights offer a compelling glimpse into the evolutionary story of our own minds.Timestamps:(00:00) – Intro to Barbara Finlay and the premise of the episode(00:32) – Barbara’s early path into neuroscience(08:33) – Introduction to Evo-Devo: how development shapes brain evolution and how evolution shapes brain development(17:20) – Brain scaling laws and how the cortex grows in coordination with the rest of the brain(29:12) – Why the human cortex isn’t special—and what actually makes us unique(36:09) – Language, sociality, and the deeper brain structures that support them(43:12) – Self-organization of the cortex: how brain areas emerge without being hardwired(53:00) – The brain’s hunger for information: from monkeys gaining color vision to human adaptability(59:00) – The limbic system vs. cortex: two distinct computational systems(01:10:00) – Egocentric mapping, the transition from water to land, and the roots of consciousness(01:24:00) – Consciousness, midbrain vs. cortex, and what AI is missing(01:31:00) – Barbara’s current work and reflections on being part of the neuroscience founder generation
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  • 9. Glenn Fox, PhD on the science of gratitude
    In this episode of Sentience, neuroscientist Dr. Glenn Fox takes us on a fascinating journey through the science of gratitude. From his pioneering brain-imaging studies on Holocaust survivor testimonies to developing practical frameworks for entrepreneurs, Glenn reveals how gratitude impacts our brains, emotional health, and resilience. We discuss why gratitude is uniquely powerful, especially during difficult times, and how understanding its neural and psychological foundations can transform our personal and professional lives. Tune in for insights into cultivating genuine gratitude—and discover why it's far more profound than simply "feeling happy."You can find Dr. Foxx on Instagram @profGlennFox.Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Glenn Fox and the neuroscience of gratitude(01:01) - Glenn’s personal journey into studying gratitude(07:43) - Gratitude research: clinical vs. positive psychology perspectives(11:58) - Defining gratitude using the "gift space" model(19:18) - Applying gratitude beyond gift-giving scenarios(32:44) - Differentiating gratitude from other positive emotions like happiness(39:44) - Neuroscience of gratitude: lessons from Holocaust survivor testimonies(54:09) - The role of the mu-opioid system in gratitude and pain relief(1:02:29) - Gratitude’s role in entrepreneurship and managing stress(1:12:23) - Personal reflections on practicing gratitude and creativity(1:20:09) - Current research on stress, challenge, and threat in entrepreneurship(1:26:12) - Final thoughts: Cultivating gratitude through fun and creativity
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  • 8. Farah Lubin, PhD on epigenetics and the brain
    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Farah Lubin, a neuroscientist from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to explore the fascinating world of epigenetics in the brain. Dr. Lubin shares her groundbreaking research on how gene expression can influence memory formation and neurological disorders like epilepsy. We also discuss how understanding these mechanisms could lead to novel therapies, along with the transformative power of epigenetics in brain science. Follow along as Dr. Lubin walks us through her unique career journey and sheds light on the evolving field of neuroepigenetics. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Farah Lubin and her research on epigenetics(06:00) - Epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation and histone modifications(09:00) - Epigenetics and brain plasticity in memory and learning(12:00) - The role of DNA methylation in gene expression and memory(18:00) - Epigenetics and the consolidation of long-term fear memories(25:00) - How brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is influenced by epigenetics(30:00) - The role of epigenetics in epilepsy development and resilience(35:00) - Methionine supplementation and its potential impact on memory(40:00) - The importance of environmental influences on the epigenome(46:00) - Future directions in epigenetics: new sequencing technologies(52:00) - Funding challenges in neuroscience research and the value of basic science(56:00) - Advice for students interested in neuroscience and epigenetics
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  • 7. Gill Livingston, MD on preventing dementia
    In this episode, I chat with Dr. Gill Livingston about her groundbreaking research on dementia. Dr. Livingston has played an important role in uncovering the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that contribute to our risk of developing dementia. Follow her on X @Gill_Livingston for more insights. Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Gill Livingston and Her Research on Dementia(00:30) - Dr. Livingston's Career Path and Inspiration for Dementia Research(06:35) - The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Key Findings(09:53) - Understanding Dementia’s Preventability and Main Risk Factors(12:22) - Hearing Loss and Other Key Dementia Risk Factors(22:45) - Blood Pressure, Air Pollution, and Dementia Risk(29:44) - Amyloid Beta and Tau’s Role in Alzheimer’s Disease(36:59) - Cognitive Reserve and the Impact of Education on Dementia Risk(41:12) - Genetics in Dementia: APOE4 and Other Risk Genes(46:24) - The Immune System’s Role in Alzheimer’s and Potential Treatments(50:12) - Policy Implications for Dementia Prevention(01:04:01) - Dr. Livingston’s Ongoing Research
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Dive into the mysteries of the mind with Daniel Toker, PhD (@the_brain_scientist). This podcast explores consciousness, brain disorders, artificial intelligence, and mental health, all in one place. Daniel brings together leading experts, groundbreaking research, and inspiring stories to illuminate the complexities of the human mind and brain.
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