Episode 113: Visual Processing

Episode 113: Visual Processing

Author: James Fodor December 7, 2020 Duration: 39:31
A discussion of higher-order processing of information in the visual system, including an overview of how the brain extracts edges and basic shapes from simple stimuli in the retina, how motion is detected, how parts of objects are distinguished, how object recognition occurs, and the differences between grandmother cell and distributed processing theories of neural encoding. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 47: Vision Part III.   If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

Curiosity about how the world works is a universal trait, and The Science of Everything Podcast is built on that very impulse. Host James Fodor guides conversations that roam freely across disciplines, from the physics of black holes to the complexities of human behavior studied in social sciences. Each episode feels like a deep dive into a new subject, where the common thread is a rigorous yet accessible application of the scientific method. You’ll hear explanations that break down complex ideas without oversimplifying them, focusing on the fascinating insights that research reveals about our universe and our place within it. This isn't a lecture series, but rather an exploration driven by genuine inquiry. Whether the topic is rooted in biology, chemistry, sociology, or astronomy, the aim is to connect the dots between abstract principles and the tangible reality we experience. The result is a consistently engaging audio experience that reminds us just how much there is left to discover. Tune in to this thoughtful podcast for a regular dose of understanding, designed to satisfy both the casual question-asker and the dedicated lifelong learner.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Science of Everything Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 106: Theories of Economic Growth and Development [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:34
In this fourth part of our series on economic growth and development, I outline the major theories of economic development developed over the past sixty years. I trace the development of such theories beginning with the…
Special Episode: Mario Livio on Galileo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:45
Astrophysicist Mario Livio joins me to discuss his latest book 'Galileo and the Science Deniers', which chronicles the scientific discoveries of Galileo Galilei and how his advocacy of the heliocentric theory led him int…
Episode 105: Agriculture, Urbanisation, and Structural Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:27
In this third part of the series on economic growth, I discuss the process of structural change as economies progress from underdeveloped to developed, beginning with an overview and historical analysis of Rostow's Stage…
Episode 104: The History of the World Economy and Growth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:39
In the second part of our series on economic growth and development, I provide a brief history of the world economy, beginning with the key features of premodern economies and the Malthusian trap. I then outline critical…
Episode 103: Introduction to Economic Growth and Global Poverty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:28
In this the first in an eight-part series covering the causes of economic growth and development, I provide an introduction to the key concepts of absolute and relative poverty, different theories of development, and how…
Episode 102: Photosynthesis Part II [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:42
Continuing the discussion of photosynthesis from the previous episode, here I outline the importance of the oxygen evolving complex in oxidising water molecules, the importance of photosystem I in extracting additional e…
Episode 101: Photosynthesis Part I [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:17
An overview of photosynthesis, including the structure of chloroplasts, phototransduction of energy by chlorophyll, the macromolecular complexes of the thylakoid membrane. I also discuss the mechanisms of electron transf…
Special Episode: History and Future of the Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:11
A special episode in which I discuss some of the ideas and principles behind the production of the show, sources I use for episodes, and my motivations for starting the podcast. I also talk about my own background and re…
Episode 100: Unsolved Problems in Science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:17
In this special celebratory 100th episode, I discuss six major unsolved problems in science: the P vs NP problem in computer science, the mystery of dark matter in physics, the existence of the island of stability in che…
Episode 99: Plant Reproduction and Fruit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:55
A discussion of the method of reproduction of flowering plants, including an overview of the structure and function of the different components of the flower, pollination, double fertilisation, and seed formation, disper…