Topics

The chemistry of being human.

Belinda explores what drives our behaviour and what our most complicated habits reveal about the mind.

Synapses firing and neurons releasing dopamine

Featured talks

Why we love mind-altering substances

Why do humans seek altered states of consciousness?

A fascinating exploration of neuroscience, psychology, history and culture—and our enduring relationship with substances that change the way we think, feel and experience the world.

The science of addiction

Addiction is far more complicated than willpower.

Explore what happens in the brain when substance use becomes compulsive, why some people develop addiction and others don’t, and what modern science can tell us about addiction and recovery.

The brain on alcohol

We drink it. But what is it actually doing to us?

A fascinating journey through alcohol, neuroscience, behaviour, pleasure, risk and our complicated cultural relationship with one of the world’s most widely used psychoactive substances.

Psychedelics: beyond the hype

Psychedelics have moved rapidly from counterculture to mainstream conversation.

What’s actually happening in the brain? What does the research tell us? And where does promising science end and hype begin?

A talk they’ll still be discussing tomorrow.

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