The beginnings of neuroscience from the NYC perspective, with John Kubie (Downstate, NYC), including the early days of Downstate's Hippocampus Group (incl. Ranck, Muller, Kubie, Fenton), finding head direction cells with James Ranck and John's amazing career of work in memory and navigation since. Hippocampus research conversation. Slides can be seen at: https://loveandphilosophy.com/beyond-...

Neuroscientist John Kubie and philosopher Andrea Hiott discuss the development of cognitive neuroscience, emphasizing the discovery of place cells and their critical role in spatial navigation and memory. It explores the conversations between various experts on their journey from psychology and biology to groundbreaking neuroscience discoveries. Topics include the intricate roles of place cells, head direction cells, grid cells, and border cells in the brain's navigation system, and how these discoveries have been crucial in understanding how animals, including humans, navigate and remember environments. The script also examines the dual-layer nature of memory, the hippocampus' function in memory consolidation, and the broader implications for understanding consciousness and self. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges in pioneering neuroscience, the impact of technological advancements, and explores the continuity between basic navigational instincts and complex cognitive processes, offering a comprehensive overview of the field's current state and its future directions.

#hippocampus #neuroscience #history #downstate #johnkubie #andreahiott

00:42 The Journey into Neuroscience: From Snakes to Smell
02:55 Exploring the Vomeronasal System in Snakes
09:31 A Dive into Comparative Neuroanatomy and Early Discoveries
13:07 Advancements in Recording Techniques and the Evolution of Neuroscience
25:56 The Fascinating World of Place Cells and Cognitive Maps
32:36 The Cognitive Map Theory: A Revolutionary Idea in Neuroscience
36:45 Unraveling the Mystery of Place Cells and Remapping
38:23 Exploring the Significance of Context in Spatial Memory
39:21 The Intersection of Spatial and Episodic Memory
43:38 Discovering Head Direction Cells: A New Dimension of Navigation
52:05 Expanding the GPS of the Brain: Grid Cells and Beyond
01:04:49 The Technological Evolution of Studying Spatial Firing