logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
12m 37s

Brain's 'Background Noise' May Explain V...

QUANTA MAGAZINE
About this episode
Electroconvulsive therapy is highly effective in treating major depressive disorder, but no one knows why it works. New research suggests it may restore balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. 
Up next
Today
Audio Edition: Old ‘Ghost’ Theory of Quantum Gravity Makes a Comeback
Has the secret to understanding gravity been hiding in plain sight for nearly 50 years?The article Old ‘Ghost’ Theory of Quantum Gravity Makes a Comeback first appeared on Quanta Magazine. 
21m 13s
Jul 28
A Dark Dimension Could Link Two of the Universe’s Great Unknowns
Generally, dark energy and dark matter are regarded as separate entities, but recent astronomical observations have spurred scientists to look further into a less widespread idea — that the two are in fact physically intertwined.On this episode of The Quanta Podcast, host Samir P ... Show More
29m 56s
Jul 21
Is Life Just Different?
There’s no scientific consensus about what makes living things so different from inorganic material. Some scientists cite replication or metabolism. Others have another answer: Living organisms are different because they do stuff — for reasons. On this episode of The Quanta Podca ... Show More
35m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2011
Can treatments such as Cognitive Therapy help?
Depression tends to return even if it has been successfully treated. Scientists now understand why this happens and have developed therapies that reduce the risks of relapse and help lift the burden of depression should it return. 
32m 52s
Nov 2011
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: A new approach to treating depression
Mindfulness therapy is an extremely effective treatment preventing relapse in depression. But what does it entail and how does it work? 
37m 11s
Feb 2021
BrainStuff Classics: Can Magic Mushrooms Help Stop Depression?
Although psychedelic drugs are largely recreational these days, scientists are looking into potential therapeutic uses -- especially in patients for whom nothing else works. Learn how psilocybin may fight depression in this classic episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad- ... Show More
4m 17s
Feb 2018
Can Magic Mushrooms Help Stop Depression?
<p>Although psychadelic drugs are largely recreational these days, scientists are looking into potential therapeutic uses -- especially in patients for whom nothing else works. Learn how psilocybin may fight depression in this episode of BrainStuff.</p><p> </p> Learn more about y ... Show More
3m 46s
Apr 2023
How deep brain stimulation is helping people with severe depression
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an experimental treatment strategy which uses an implanted device to help patients with severe depression who have reached a point where no other treatment works.But despite her involvement in the DBS collaboration, which involves neuroscientists, ... Show More
24m 47s
Aug 2024
Ecstasy therapy
The FDA is about to announce whether it’s going to approve MDMA as a treatment for PTSD. Our friends at Today, Explained explore what this kind of therapy looks like, and why it’s so controversial. For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscripts For more, go to vox.com/unexpla ... Show More
30m 18s
Nov 2011
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on trial
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is especially good for people who have suffered the most debilitating forms of depression. The evidence for its effectiveness is overwhelming and continues to grow. 
24m 29s
Mar 2022
How Art Can Heal The Brain
Arts therapies appear to ease a host of brain disorders from Parkinson's to PTSD. But these treatments that rely on music, poetry or visual arts haven't been backed by rigorous scientific testing. Now, artists and brain scientists have launched a program to change that. NPR's bra ... Show More
14m 19s