3 x 30 min

This fascinating series returns with 3 new episodes. The brain is the nerve center of the human body. It is the point where all information from the body and its environment is collected and processed into reactions and memories. Everything we think, say or do is controlled by the brain, as are processes that occur without our conscious input, such as understanding what we are seeing or hearing, feeling joy or fear, or recognizing danger. Researching the workings of the human brain is an even greater scientific challenge than decoding the human genome.

Sense of Smell and Memory
Our olfactory system is directly connected to certain areas of the brain. This means that smells can trigger powerful memories – even in people with dementia. If this highly efficient system is disrupted, for example after a viral infection, it can often be restored through training. From the womb onwards, the interaction between brain and olfactory organs shapes our perceptions and emotions.

When the Brain Ignores Reality
Climate change is a very real threat. But our response is still woefully inadequate. Why isn’t our brain telling us to do more? International experts in behavioural science, cognitive psychology and neuroscience are examining how optimism bias, confirmation bias and the bystander effect manipulate our reaction to climate change.

Synesthesia: Hearing Colors, Seeing Sounds
For some people, senses such as sight, hearing, and touch are mysteriously intertwined: sounds may be perceived as colors, visual impressions may have their own sound. This phenomenon, called synesthesia, has been known about for around 300 years, but only in the last few decades has it been systematically studied. Today’s medical imaging techniques provide insight into the brains of synesthetes.