Huberman Lab
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Erich Jarvis, PhD, a professor and Head of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language at Rockefeller University and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). We discuss the brain circuits and genes underlying spoken language and why the ability to learn and produce vocalizations is extraordinarily rare in the animal kingdom. We also explore why song likely evolved before language, how gesture and movement share deep neural roots with speech, the neurobiology of stuttering, why childhood is the optimal window for language acquisition, and how physical movement — including dance — may help preserve speech and cognitive function across a lifetime.
Read the show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman
Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Speech & Language
(00:00:23) Speech vs. Language; Brain Pathways for Communication
(00:01:57) Gesture, Hand Movement & Speech Evolution
(00:04:31) Sponsor: Function
(00:05:59) Innate Vocalizations vs. Learned Speech
(00:08:01) Evolution of Spoken Language; Neanderthals & Vocal Learning
(00:09:29) Birdsong & Human Speech; Brain Circuit Parallels
(00:13:22) Hummingbirds; Vocal Learning Species & Complex Traits
(00:14:32) Critical Periods & Learning Your Native Song
(00:16:50) Pidgin Language & Cultural-Genetic Convergence
(00:18:36) Sponsor: AG1
(00:20:01) Genes Specialized in Speech Circuits
(00:23:05) Critical Period for Language Learning; Multilingualism
(00:25:17) Music, Emotion & Semantic vs. Affective Communication
(00:28:14) Sponsor: Eight Sleep
(00:29:49) Facial Expression & Speech Circuitry
(00:31:07) Written Language & Neural Pathways
(00:32:47) Stuttering; Basal Ganglia & Neurobiological Basis
(00:35:03) Texting & Language Evolution
(00:36:36) Tool: Movement, Dancing & Singing to Maintain Cognitive Health
(00:38:43) Recap
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
-
AMA #1: Leveraging Ultradian Cycles, How to Protect Your Brain, Seed Oils Examined and More
Welcome to a preview of the first Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium subscription. The Huberman Lab Premium subscription was launched for two main reasons. First, it was launched in order…
-
How Meditation Works & Science-Based Effective Meditations
In this episode, I discuss the biological mechanisms of the state changes that occur during different types of meditation and describe how to develop the meditation practice optimal for you. I explain key meditation principles,…
-
The Science of Learning & Speaking Languages | Dr. Eddie Chang
My guest is Eddie Chang, MD, a neurosurgeon and professor of neurological surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the co-director of the Center for Neural Engineering & Prostheses. We discuss the…
-
Fitness Toolkit: Protocol & Tools to Optimize Physical Health
I describe a fitness protocol that maximizes all the major sought-after aspects of physical fitness, including strength, endurance and flexibility. I discuss fundamentals of resistance training protocols, including repetitions, sets, inter-set and inter-workout rest periods…
-
Psychedelics & Neurostimulation for Brain Rewiring | Dr. Nolan Williams
In this episode, my guest is Nolan Williams, M.D., a triple board-certified psychiatrist, neurologist and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. He is also the Director of the Stanford Brain…
-
The Effects of Cannabis (Marijuana) on the Brain & Body
In this episode, I discuss cannabis (aka marijuana), including the biological mechanisms underlying its effects on the mind and body, its known medical applications, its impact on libido, creativity, hunger, hormones and more. I also…
-
Biology & Treatments for Compulsive Behaviors & Binge Eating | Dr. Casey Halpern
My guest is Casey Halpern, M.D., Chief of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery and Professor of Neurosurgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Halpern’s research and clinical practice focus on…
-
Nicotine’s Effects on the Brain & Body & How to Quit Smoking or Vaping
In this episode, I explain how nicotine impacts the brain and body, including its potent ability to enhance attention, focus, and alertness, increase blood pressure and metabolism and reduce appetite. I discuss nicotine’s ability to…
-
The Biology of Aggression, Mating, & Arousal | Dr. David Anderson
My guest is David Anderson, PhD, a world expert in the science of sexual behavior, violent aggression, fear and other motivated states. Dr. Anderson is a Professor of Biology at the California Institute of Technology…
-
Focus Toolkit: Tools to Improve Your Focus & Concentration
In this episode, I provide a list of behavioral, nutritional, and supplement-based tools you can use to improve your ability to get into a focused state to do mental or physical work. I explain science-supported…