Dr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music

My guest this episode is Dr. Erich Jarvis, PhD—Professor and the Head of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language at Rockefeller University and Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). Dr. Jarvis’ research spans the molecular and genetic mechanisms of vocal communication, comparative genomics of speech and language across species and the relationship between speech, language and movement. We discuss the unique ability of humans (and certain animal species) to learn and communicate using complex language, including verbal speech production and the ability to interpret both written and spoken language. We also discuss the connections between language, singing and dance and why song may have evolved before language. Dr. Jarvis also explains some of the underlying biological and genetic components of stutter/speech disorders, non-verbal communication, why it's easiest to learn a language as a child and how individuals can learn multiple languages at any age. This episode ought to be of interest to everyone interested in the origins of human speech, language, music and culture and how newer technology, such as social media and texting, change our brains.  For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Erich Jarvis & Vocal Communication (00:03:58) Sponsors: AG1, LMNT (00:08:01) Speech vs. Language, Is There a Difference?   (00:10:55) Animal Communication, Hand Gestures & Language  (00:15:25) Vocalization & Innate Language, Evolution of Modern Language     (00:21:10) Humans & Songbirds, Critical Periods, Genetics, Speech Disorders  (00:27:11) Innate Predisposition to Learn Language, Cultural Hybridization (00:31:34) Genes for Speech & Language (00:35:49) Learning New or Multiple Languages, Critical Periods, Phonemes  (00:40:47) Sponsor: AG1 (00:42:52) Semantic vs. Effective Communication, Emotion, Singing (00:47:32) Singing, Link Between Dancing & Vocal Learning  (00:52:55) Motor Theory of Vocal Learning, Dance  (00:55:03) Music & Dance, Emotional Bonding, Genetic Predispositions (01:04:11) Facial Expressions & Language, Innate Expressions (01:09:35) Reading & Writing  (01:15:13) Writing by Hand vs. Typing, Thoughts & Writing (01:20:58) Stutter, Neurogenetics, Overcome Stutter, Conversations (01:26:58) Modern Language Evolution: Texting, Social Media & the Future (01:36:26) Movement: The Link to Cognitive Growth  (01:40:21) Comparative Genomics, Earth Biogenome Project, Genome Ark, Conservation (01:48:24) Evolution of Skin & Fur Color (01:51:22) Dr. Erich Jarvis, Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Momentous Supplements, AG1 (Athletic Greens), Instagram, Twitter Neural Network Newsletter, Huberman Lab Clips Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer

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Huberman Lab discusses neuroscience — how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology, and by courtesy, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. He has made numerous significant contributions to the fields of brain development, brain function and neural plasticity, which is the ability of our nervous system to rewire and learn new behaviors, skills and cognitive functioning.  Huberman is a McKnight Foundation and Pew Foundation Fellow and was awarded the Cogan Award, given to the scientist making the most significant discoveries in the study of vision, in 2017. His lab’s most recent work focuses on the influence of vision and respiration on human performance and brain states such as fear and courage. He also works on neural regeneration and directs a clinical trial to promote visual restoration in diseases that cause blindness. Huberman is also actively involved in developing tools now in use by the elite military in the U.S. and Canada, athletes, and technology industries to optimize performance in high stress environments, enhance neural plasticity, mitigate stress and optimize sleep.   Work from the Huberman Laboratory at Stanford School of Medicine has been published in top journals including Nature, Science and Cell and has been featured in TIME, BBC, Scientific American, Discover and other top media outlets.  In 2021, Dr. Huberman launched the Huberman Lab podcast. The podcast is frequently ranked in the top 5 of all podcasts globally and is often ranked #1 in the categories of Science, Education, and Health & Fitness.