Advances in neuroscience have important implications for the development of policies designed to meet looming challenges in health care, aging, education, bioethics, child welfare, environmental and national security. Furthermore, addiction, violent crime, dementia, and obesity pose threats to our well-being that are unlikely to be addressed effectively without the translation of sound behavioral and neuroscience into effective public policy and law. However, even though the final goals may be the same, the worlds of science and policymaking seem far apart in culture, language, and modes of action. An important goal of our Lobes and Robes podcast is to bridge these gaps by bringing scientists and policymakers together to share their perspectives, with each other and with the audience, on how to address some of the most pressing problems of our time. In addition, the Lobes and Robes podcast aims to use these discussions to better educate our audiences both outside and with academia, about how science and policy making serves the public good.
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Advances in neuroscience have important implications for the development of policies designed to meet looming challenges in health care, aging, education, bioethics, child welfare, environmental and national security. Furthermore, addiction, violent crime, dementia, and obesity pose threats to our well-being that are unlikely to be addressed effectively without the translation of sound behavioral and neuroscience into effective public policy and law. However, even though the final goals may be the same, the worlds of science and policymaking seem far apart in culture, language, and modes of action. An important goal of our Lobes and Robes podcast is to bridge these gaps by bringing scientists and policymakers together to share their perspectives, with each other and with the audience, on how to address some of the most pressing problems of our time. In addition, the Lobes and Robes podcast aims to use these discussions to better educate our audiences both outside and with academia, about how science and policy making serves the public good.
SEASON 4, EPISODE 2: THE REMARKABLE ADOLESCENT BRAIN
Lobes and Robes
34 minutes 48 seconds
5 months ago
SEASON 4, EPISODE 2: THE REMARKABLE ADOLESCENT BRAIN
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Adriana Galvan, professor of psychology at UCLA and director of the Developmental Neuroscience Laboratory. Dr. Galvan reveals how the adolescent brain is uniquely designed for growth and learning through a second wave of neuroplasticity. Dr. Galvan explains that the prefrontal cortex—responsible for emotion regulation and planning—continues developing into the early twenties. This prolonged development isn't a deficiency but an evolutionary advantage that encourages exploration and learning through experience. What adults perceive as risky behavior is actually essential trial-and-error learning that builds decision-making skills. Our conversation also explores why teenagers are intensely focused on social interactions and peers. Dr. Galvan discusses how neuroscience has informed legal considerations around adolescent responsibility. Finally, she presents a more nuanced take on recent narratives about youth mental health issues. Throughout the episode, Dr. Galvan presents adolescence as a vital, purposeful developmental stage necessary for becoming capable adults. This discussion offers valuable insights for parents, educators, and policymakers interested in understanding the remarkable adolescent brain.
Lobes and Robes
Advances in neuroscience have important implications for the development of policies designed to meet looming challenges in health care, aging, education, bioethics, child welfare, environmental and national security. Furthermore, addiction, violent crime, dementia, and obesity pose threats to our well-being that are unlikely to be addressed effectively without the translation of sound behavioral and neuroscience into effective public policy and law. However, even though the final goals may be the same, the worlds of science and policymaking seem far apart in culture, language, and modes of action. An important goal of our Lobes and Robes podcast is to bridge these gaps by bringing scientists and policymakers together to share their perspectives, with each other and with the audience, on how to address some of the most pressing problems of our time. In addition, the Lobes and Robes podcast aims to use these discussions to better educate our audiences both outside and with academia, about how science and policy making serves the public good.
