Ologies with Alie Ward – Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS) Encore with Crystal Dilworth

Intro

In this episode of “Ologies with Alie Ward,” host Alie Ward interviews Dr. Crystal Dilworth, a molecular neurobiologist, STEM inventor, and ambassador. They dive into the fascinating field of molecular neurobiology, exploring brain chemicals, brain structure, and the role of neurotransmitters in our emotions and behaviors. Dr. Dilworth shares her personal journey in neuroscience and highlights the importance of understanding the brain for treating brain-related diseases.

Main Takeaways

Exploring Molecular Neurobiology

• Molecular neurobiology is the study of the tiny masses that bring our brain cells to life.
• Neurons are elongated and look like strings or cords.
• Molecular neurobiology is essential in understanding how the brain works and how we can treat brain-related diseases.

The Role of Brain Chemicals

• Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are some of the brain chemicals that play a crucial role in our emotions and behavior.
• Imbalances in neurotransmitters can affect behavior and mood.
• Excess dopamine can disrupt normal function and motivation, while low dopamine levels can cause symptoms of depression, ADHD, and anxiety.
• Serotonin is involved in mood, sleep, and modulating the effects of dopamine.

Understanding the Brain’s Structure

• The brain is constantly changing, and our experiences can shape its structure and function.
• The brain is made up of different types of cells, including 80 billion neurons and glial cells or astrocytes that help the neurons function.
• Neurons use both electricity and chemicals to communicate, with little gates regulating the ions flowing in and out of them.
• Glial cells have various functions, including insulating neurons with myelin, which is important for decision-making in the pre-frontal cortex.

Exploring Neurological Disorders

• ADHD is a disruption of the dopamine and norepinephrine systems, leading to difficulties in attention and motivation.
• Treatment for ADHD includes medications like Adderall and Ritalin, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
• Anxiety and depression can be influenced by genetic differences in neurotransmitter production and receptor responses.
• SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly used to treat anxiety and depression by affecting the balance of neurotransmitters.

The Influence of Environment and Lifestyle

• The gut biome is linked to mental health and can affect the release of neurotransmitters.
• Eating a particular type of diet can influence the ratios of microorganisms in the gut, impacting mood.
• Alcohol affects dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate pathways, leading to disinhibition and loss of control over emotion.
• Mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy can positively impact the brain and help retrain it for healthier behaviors.

Summary

Exploring Molecular Neurobiology

Molecular neurobiology is a field that focuses on studying the tiny masses that bring our brain cells to life. Neurons, which resemble elongated strings or cords, play a crucial role in understanding how the brain works and how we can treat brain-related diseases.

The Role of Brain Chemicals

Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are brain chemicals that significantly impact our emotions and behavior. Imbalances in neurotransmitters can affect our mood and behavior, with excess dopamine disrupting normal function and motivation, while low dopamine levels leading to symptoms of depression, ADHD, and anxiety. Serotonin is involved in mood, sleep, and modulating the effects of dopamine.

Understanding the Brain’s Structure

The brain is a dynamic organ that constantly changes. Our experiences shape its structure and function. It is composed of different types of cells, including neurons and glial cells. Neurons use both electricity and chemicals to communicate, with glial cells playing a vital role in insulating neurons and supporting decision-making in the pre-frontal cortex.

Exploring Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders like ADHD, anxiety, and depression can disrupt the normal functioning of neurotransmitter systems. ADHD, characterized by difficulties in attention and motivation, is linked to disruptions in the dopamine and norepinephrine systems. Treatment often involves medications that increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Anxiety and depression can be influenced by genetic differences in neurotransmitter production and receptor responses, with medications like SSRIs and SNRIs used to restore balance.

The Influence of Environment and Lifestyle

The gut biome, influenced by diet and lifestyle, plays a significant role in mental health and neurotransmitter release. Alcohol affects various neurotransmitter pathways, leading to disinhibition and loss of emotional control. Mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy offer ways to positively impact the brain and retrain it for healthier behaviors.

Conclusion

Understanding molecular neurobiology and the role of brain chemicals is crucial for comprehending the complexities of the human brain and treating brain-related diseases. The interplay between genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors significantly influences our emotions, behaviors, and mental health. By delving deeper into the mysteries of the brain, we can unlock new insights and develop effective strategies for improving our well-being.