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Mark Iandolo | Oct 27, 2017

Vanderbilt podcast explores how the human brain became remarkable

Neuroanatomy was the topic of a recent segment of "The Zeppos Report," a podcast launched by Vanderbilt University Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos, featuring neuroscientist and author Suzana Herculano-Houzel.

In the podcast, Zeppos talked with Herculano-Houzel about her research on the human brain and what separates it from the brains of other creatures, a Vanderbilt release said.

“What made modern humans possible is whatever trick our ancestors used that allowed them to get more calories in less time – and cooking does just that,” Herculano-Houzel said in the release.

Herculano-Houzel is an associate professor of psychology and biological sciences at Vanderbilt and serves as associate director for communications at the Vanderbilt Brain Institute. Her research is showcased in her book, "The Human Advantage."

The podcast also touched upon the importance of universities, which Herculano-Houzel and Zeppos said are key to retaining and creating knowledge.

“We must invest in basic research and bring, from around the world, the most talented people,” Zeppos said in the release. “And we are fortunate that we, as a country, have made those investments.”

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