Hot off the Synapse (Live interview archives with Dr Lila Landowski, neuroscientist)

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I pop up in the media a lot to talk neuroscience: from tiny brain quirks to big health questions. The only problem? I don't have the bandwidth to turn them into social posts, so if you didn’t catch them live… they vanish into the ether 🫠 I’ve done a little audio archaeology and started gathering some of the radio interviews into one tidy Spotify home, for your listening pleasure. Like what you hear? Follow for more, I'll keep updating when I can!

  1. Mar 29

    Dr Lila Landowski | TEDx | Brain Hack: 6 secrets to learning faster, backed by neuroscience

    Sharing the secrets to productive learning, backed by neuroscience. Dr Lila Landowski explains the methods which can be used to allow us to learn faster. Dr Lila Landowski is a multi-award winning neuroscientist and senior lecturer that expertly arms people with an understanding of how their brain works, to help them make better choices in their lives. She is also a Director of Science and Technology Australia, Fides member of the World Health Organisaiton, as well as a regular guest expert science communicator for the ABC. This talk was given at TEDxHobart, a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

  2. Jan 2

    Why Teens Tune Out: The Science Behind Selective Hearing - Neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski with Andy Park on ABC RN Drive

    Why Teens Tune Out: The Science Behind Selective Hearing - Neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski speaks to host Andy Park on ABC RN Drive This episode explores the intriguing phenomenon of selective hearing in teenagers, particularly focusing on why they may not respond to their mother's voice. Neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski discusses research from Stanford University that examines brain activity in children and teenagers when listening to their mother's voice versus unfamiliar voices. The findings reveal significant differences in brain responses pre- and post-puberty, suggesting evolutionary reasons for these changes. teenagers, selective hearing, neuroscience, brain activity, puberty, evolutionary psychology Teenagers often exhibit selective hearing, especially towards their mother's voice.Research from Stanford University used MRI to study brain activity in children and teenagers.Pre-puberty children show increased brain activity in reward and social value areas when hearing their mother's voice.Teenagers' brains respond more to unfamiliar voices than to their mother's voice.The use of made-up words in the study helps isolate the brain's response to voice rather than word meaning.The age of 13 is critical for changes in brain response to familiar versus unfamiliar voices.Evolutionary psychology suggests this change aids in independence and social learning.Hormonal changes during puberty contribute to shifts in brain activity and behavior.The desire to distance from parents during puberty is linked to survival and reproduction instincts.Caveman behavior parallels modern teenage behavior in terms of communication and social dynamics.

  3. Jan 2

    A stroke of bad luck? Exploring the Stroke Drug Bottleneck

    This is the extended version of an episode which aired live on the ABC Radio National Health Report. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/healthreport/improving-stroke-research/11515796 Summary This conversation explores the personal experience of a stroke survivor, the complexities of stroke treatment, the challenges in biomedical research, and the ethical considerations surrounding animal testing. It highlights the need for improved research methodologies and the importance of recovery in the journey after a stroke. Guests:Adrian O'MalleyStroke patientProfessor David HowellsProfessor of Neuroscience and Brain Plasticity, University of TasmaniaDr Alexandra Bannach-BrownResearch Fellow, Bond University Consultant in Laboratory Animal Care and ManagementReporter:Dr Lila Landowski. This episode was generated as part of Dr Lila Landowski's ABC Top 5 Scientist Media Residency.Host:James BullenProducer:Joel Werner, Carl Smith, Diane Dean Takeaways Coordination issues can signal a stroke emergency. Stroke can lead to lifelong disabilities without proper treatment. TPA is the only drug for ischemic strokes but has strict eligibility criteria. 70% of patients may not benefit from TPA even if administered. Research waste in biomedical science is a significant issue. Improving drug testing methods can lead to better stroke treatments. Animal models of stroke need to be more representative of human conditions. The three R's of animal testing are replacement, reduction, and refinement. Quality research foundations are crucial for effective treatment development. Recovery from stroke is a collaborative effort involving family support. Chapters 00:00 The Day That Changed Everything 02:45 Understanding Stroke and Its Impact 05:54 The Quest for Better Stroke Treatments 08:55 Improving Research Models for Stroke 10:22 The Importance of Collaboration in Recovery Keywords: stroke, treatment, research, biomedical science, recovery, TPA, animal testing, research waste, neuroscience, health

  4. Jan 2

    Australian Neuroscience Society annual conference - chatting to a range of researchers

    The 2025 Australasian Neuroscience Society Conference landed in Dr Lila Landowski’s hometown of Hobart—and with so many brilliant researchers descending on the city, she couldn’t resist getting them on the mic to share what they’re working on. This segment is a little different to the usual: you won't hear much from Lila, and instead, you’ll hear from five Australian neuroscientists, each giving a snapshot of their fascinating research. Professor Jason Mattingly- President of the Australasian Neuroscience Society & University of Queensland/Queensland Brain InstituteDr Carly Cullen- University of Queensland, Mater Research Institute.Professor Anthony Hannan- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthAelon Rahmani - Flinders UniversityDr. Kirsten Coupland- University of Newcastle. Summary The conversation revolves around the Australasian Neuroscience Society Conference, highlighting various research topics in neuroscience, including sensory processing, myelin biology, anxiety disorders, and the role of cerebrospinal fluid in brain health. The speakers share their insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and discovery in the field of neuroscience. Chapters 00:00 Dr Lila Landowski: The Conference Theme 02:46 Prof Jason Mattingley: Understanding Sensory Processing and Attention 05:56 Dr Carly Cullen, Mater Research Institute: Exploring Myelin and Brain Repair 08:45 Modeling Anxiety Disorders in Rodents 11:32 The Role of Immune Activation in Brain Health 14:43 Cerebrospinal Fluid: The Brain's Cleaning Mechanism Keywords: neuroscience, brain research, attention, myelin, anxiety disorders, cerebrospinal fluid, Australasian Neuroscience Society, neurological conditions, mental health, scientific discovery

    Australian Neuroscience Society annual conference - chatting to a range of researchers

  5. Jan 2

    Minds Under Siege: Your Brain in the digital era with neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski

    Minds Under Siege: Your Brain in the digital era with neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski Lila spoke to Kylie Baxter live on ABC Radio Hobart Drive program on 6 August 2025 Dr Lila Landowski Neuroscientist and Senior Lecturer, UTAS; Vice President and Director, Science & Technology Australia; Fides Member, World Health Organisation Opinions and perspectives shared here are Lila's, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the organisations she works for and represents. Keywords technology, AI, mental health, social media, neuroscience, brain development, face-to-face communication, cognitive skills, sensory overload, human connection Summary In this conversation, Dr. Lila Landosky, a neuroscientist, discusses the profound effects of technology, particularly AI and social media, on human cognition and mental health. She highlights how advancements in technology have historically allowed humans to develop skills and communities but raises concerns about the current reliance on AI and social media, which may hinder cognitive development and social interactions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of face-to-face communication for mental well-being and the risks of sensory overload in our technology-driven lives. Takeaways The brain adapts to efficiency, impacting skill development. AI may reduce our cognitive engagement over time. Social media usage correlates with decreased face-to-face interactions. Lack of socialization can lead to increased anxiety and depression. Face-to-face communication enhances brain synchrony and well-being. Sensory overload can lead to stress and anxiety. Historical advancements in tools have shaped human development. Technology can both aid and hinder our cognitive abilities. Engaging with real humans is vital for mental health. Our reliance on technology is changing our social landscape

  6. 12/31/2025

    Debunking brain myths with neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski with Helen Shield on ABC Radio

    Debunking Brain Myths: we use more than 10% of our brain, the left-right brain conundrum, the truth about learning styles: neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski chats to host Helen Shield on ABC Radio Keywords brain myths, learning styles, neuroscience, education, intelligence, brain games, memory, teaching methods, cognitive science, psychology Summary In this conversation, Dr. Lila Landowski, neuroscientist, discusses various myths surrounding brain function and learning. She debunks the myth that we only use 10% of our brains, explaining that all parts of the brain are active at different times. The discussion also covers the misconceptions about left-brain versus right-brain functions, the lack of evidence supporting different learning styles, and the limited benefits of brain games. Dr. Landowski emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to learning and teaching. Takeaways The idea that we only use 10% of our brains is false. All parts of the brain are activated at different times. Left and right brain functions are more integrated than separate. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory. There is no correlation between brain size and intelligence. Different learning styles do not guarantee better comprehension. Incorporating various learning methods is beneficial for all students. Brain games improve specific skills but do not increase overall intelligence. The corpus callosum connects the two brain hemispheres for better communication. Understanding brain function can improve teaching methods. Dr Lila Landowski Neuroscientist and Senior Lecturer, UTAS; Vice President and Director, Science & Technology Australia; Fides Member, World Health OrganisationOpinions and perspectives shared here are Lila's, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the organisations she works for and represents.

  7. 12/31/2025

    Rejuvenating Memory: The Science of Young CSF, Insights from Mice Studies - with Neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski on ABC Radio National Drive hosted by Andy Park

    Rejuvenating Memory: The Science of Young CSF, Insights from Mice Studies - with Neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski on ABC Radio National Drive hosted by Andy Park This episode delves into groundbreaking research on memory improvement in mice, exploring how cerebrospinal fluid from young mice can rejuvenate the memory of older mice. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski discusses the role of fibroblast growth factor 17 in enhancing brain function, drawing parallels to the potential implications for human brain health. memory improvement, cerebrospinal fluid, fibroblast growth factor 17, neuroscience, brain health, mice research Cerebrospinal fluid from young mice can rejuvenate older mice's memory.Fibroblast growth factor 17 mimics the effects of young cerebrospinal fluid.The hippocampus is crucial for memory improvement in mice.Oligodendrocytes play a key role in neuron efficiency and memory.The study highlights potential implications for human brain health.Cerebrospinal fluid changes with age, impacting brain function.The research offers a direct method to influence brain health.Young blood studies in mice show similar rejuvenating effects.The findings open discussions on ethical implications in research.

  8. 12/31/2025

    Selective hearing of teens, improving memory in old mice, and PFAS in firefighters - Research Filter with Neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski on ABC Radio National Drive with Andy Park,

    Neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski speaks on ABC Radio National Drive with Andy Park, discussing three new studies - one on the selective hearing of teens, improving memory in old mice, and PFAS in firefighters Keywords neuroscience, aging, memory, teenagers, selective hearing, blood donation, fibroblast growth factor, cerebrospinal fluid, oligodendrocytes, PFAS Summary In this conversation, neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski discusses groundbreaking research on aging, memory enhancement, and the unique auditory processing of teenagers. She explains how specific proteins can rejuvenate memory in older mice and explores the shift in teenagers' responses to their mothers' voices as they approach puberty. Additionally, she highlights the health benefits of blood donation, particularly in reducing harmful chemicals in the bloodstream. Takeaways Fibroblast growth factor 17 can enhance memory in older mice. Cerebrospinal fluid plays a crucial role in brain function. Teenagers' brains prioritize social voices over their mother's voice. The age of 13 marks a significant change in auditory processing. Independence during adolescence is linked to evolutionary survival. Blood donation can help eliminate harmful forever chemicals. Oligodendrocytes are essential for efficient brain function. The brain's reward pathways change during puberty. Research shows the importance of social learning in adolescence. Donating blood has personal health benefits beyond societal contributions. Titles Unlocking the Secrets of Memory and Aging Teenage Hearing: The Shift from Mom to Social Voices Chapters 01:46 Neuroscience of Aging and Memory 04:47 Teenagers and Selective Hearing 07:37 The Benefits of Blood Donation 220518

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I pop up in the media a lot to talk neuroscience: from tiny brain quirks to big health questions. The only problem? I don't have the bandwidth to turn them into social posts, so if you didn’t catch them live… they vanish into the ether 🫠 I’ve done a little audio archaeology and started gathering some of the radio interviews into one tidy Spotify home, for your listening pleasure. Like what you hear? Follow for more, I'll keep updating when I can!

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