In this episode, my guest is Dr. Brian Keating, Ph.D., a cosmologist and professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego. We discuss the origins of the universe and how humans have used light and optics to understand where and how life on Earth emerged.
We explore how early humans charted the stars, sun, moon, and other celestial events to measure time and track seasons, as well as how stargazing continues to connect us to a shared ancient experience. Additionally, we examine the scientific process, the practical and ethical challenges of pursuing groundbreaking discoveries, and the emotional toll of striving for recognition in one’s profession.
Finally, we discuss whether astrology has any scientific validity and consider the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Read the full episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman
Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman
Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman
ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman
Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Brian Keating
00:02:07 Cosmology, Origin of Universe
00:05:41 Sponsors: LMNT & BetterHelp
00:08:33 Stars, Planets, Early Humans, Time
00:14:53 Astrology, Ophiuchus Constellation
00:19:58 Pineal Gland, Time-Keeping & Stars, Seasons & Offspring
00:29:19 Humans, Time Perception, Astronomy
00:36:08 Sponsor: AG1
00:37:47 Brain & Prediction; Moonset, Syzygy; Telescope, Galileo
00:46:36 Light Refraction; Telescope, Eyeglasses
00:51:36 Earth Rotation & Sun
00:53:43 Glass, Microscope, Telescopes & Discovery
01:02:53 Science as Safe Space; Jupiter, Galileo, Discovery, Time
01:10:48 Early Humans, Stonehenge, Pyramids, Measurement Standards
01:15:54 Giants of Astronomy
01:20:04 Sponsors: Function & Helix Sleep
01:23:10 Origin of Life, Scientific Method & P-Hacking; Nobel Prize, Big Bang, Inflation
01:30:20 Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, BICEP
01:37:58 Father & Son Relationship, Science & Rewards
01:44:06 Loss, Mentor
01:49:55 Antarctica, South Pole
01:56:49 Light & Heat Pollution, South Pole
02:01:09 Prize Pursuit, First Discovery; Star Collapse, Micrometeorites, Polarization
02:08:26 Sponsor: ROKA
02:10:08 Moon, Size & Horizon; Visual Acuity; Rainbow or Moon Bigger?
02:15:21 Sunset, Green Flash, Color Opponency
02:23:05 Menstrual & Lunar Cycles; Moon Movement
02:26:36 Northern Hemisphere & Stargazing, Dark Sky Communities, Telescope
02:29:51 Constellations, Asterism; Halley’s & Hale-Bopp Comets
02:32:13 Navigation, Columbus
02:36:29 Adaptive Optics, Scintillation, Artificial Stars
02:48:28 Life Outside Earth?
02:57:50 Gut Microbiome; Building Planet
03:05:00 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Protocols Book, Neural Network Newsletter
Using Deliberate Cold Exposure for Health and Performance
I describe mechanisms by which deliberate cold exposure can enhance mental health, physical health, and performance. I detail specific protocols to safely engage in deliberate cold exposure, including minimal exposure times, time-of-day effects, determining optimal…
Dr. Andy Galpin: How to Build Strength, Muscle Size & Endurance
中文 Tiếng Việt In this episode, I discuss fundamental principles of strength and hypertrophy training and building endurance, along with the mechanisms underlying them. Joining me is Dr. Andy Galpin, Professor of Kinesiology at California…
Controlling Sugar Cravings & Metabolism with Science-Based Tools
I explain how to blunt sugar cravings through fundamental knowledge of how sugar is sensed, metabolized, and utilized within the body. I explain how sugar is processed through the digestive tract and nervous system and…
Using Salt to Optimize Mental & Physical Performance
I discuss the role of salt (sodium) in the nervous system and the key role that it plays in mental performance, physical performance and health. I explain how the brain senses salt levels in our…
Dr. Justin Sonnenburg: How to Build, Maintain & Repair Gut Health
My guest this episode is Dr. Justin Sonnenburg, Professor of Microbiology & Immunology at Stanford University. Dr. Sonnenburg’s research focuses on how microbes in our gut impact our mental and physical health and how diet…
How to Enhance Your Gut Microbiome for Brain & Overall Health
In this episode, I discuss the profound effect the gut has on the nervous system. I cover the structure and function of the gut-brain axis and the role of the gut microbiome in the brain…
Dr. David Spiegel: Using Hypnosis to Enhance Mental & Physical Health & Performance
My guest is Dr. David Spiegel MD, Associate Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Director of the Center on Stress and Health and Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University School of…
The Science of Love, Desire and Attachment
In this episode, I discuss the psychology and biology of desire, love and attachment. I explain how childhood attachment types are thought to inform adult attachment styles to romantic partners, and I describe some of…
Using Play to Rewire & Improve Your Brain
In this episode, I discuss the transformative nature of play—how it changes our feelings, thoughts and actions and indeed, how it can rewire our brain to function better in all contexts. I explain the role…
Optimizing Workspace for Productivity, Focus, & Creativity
In this episode, I discuss ways to set up your workspace to optimize productivity, focus and creativity. I discuss how to adjust light, physically arrange your work environment, and leverage body posture to enhance productivity.…