Robert Sapolsky

Date: 2017-05-25 | Duration: 1h 11m

Episode Overview

Robert Sapolsky dives into the fascinating world of neurobiology and behavior, beginning with the mind-altering effects of the parasite *Toxoplasma gondii*. He explains how this protozoan manipulates infected rats by eliminating their fear of cat urine, increasing their chances of being preyed upon and thus completing the parasite’s life cycle. Sapolsky highlights intriguing correlations between *Toxo* infection and human behavioral changes, such as increased risk-taking, schizophrenia, and reckless driving, illustrating the subtle yet profound ways parasites can influence host behavior. The conversation shifts to the development and function of the frontal cortex, emphasizing its late maturation around age 25 and its critical role in impulse control, decision-making, and social behavior. Sapolsky discusses how environmental factors like socioeconomic status shape frontal cortex development, affecting behavior and cognitive control. He also touches on cultural influences on morality and delayed gratification, noting how these brain processes vary widely across societies. Sapolsky shares vivid stories from his fieldwork with baboons, revealing how social hierarchies, stress, and environmental changes impact primate health and aggression. He reflects on the plasticity of behavior within primate groups and draws parallels to human social dynamics. The episode closes with a sobering look at the history of psychiatric treatments and the evolving understanding of mental illness, underscoring the importance of scientific progress in reshaping how society views behavior and responsibility.

About Robert Sapolsky

Robert Sapolsky is a renowned neuroendocrinologist and acclaimed author, currently serving as a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University. With a unique blend of scientific rigor and engaging storytelling, he has captivated audiences through his bestselling book, *Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst*, which explores the biological underpinnings of human behavior. Known for his insightful analyses of stress, biology, and the interplay of genetics and environment, Sapolsky's work not only advances neuroscience but also challenges conventional views on morality and free will, making him a fascinating figure in contemporary science.

Key Moments

– Baboon Behavior
– Toxoplasma gondii
– Neurotransmitters
– Parasite Manipulation
– Schizophrenia
– Oxytocin
– Frontal Cortex Development
– Aggression
– Socioeconomic Status and Brain
– Delayed Gratification
– Cultural Influences on Behavior
– Stress Physiology
– Lobotomy History
– Epilepsy and Behavior
– Neuroscience and Law
– Free Will Debate
– Memory and Stress
– Animal Behavior
– Human Violence
– Scientific Optimism
0:01:07 – Introduction to Toxoplasma gondii parasite
0:02:05 – Toxoplasma alters rat behavior to lose cat aversion
0:03:01 – Parasite makes cat urine smell attractive to rats
0:04:36 – Role of dopamine neurotransmitter explained
0:07:10 – Link between toxoplasma antibodies and schizophrenia
0:08:07 – Toxoplasma infection and reckless behavior in depression
0:16:59 – Emotional connection between infants and dogs
0:18:27 – Oxytocin effects via receptor binding
0:20:27 – Frontal cortex role in decision making
0:22:27 – Socioeconomic status predicts frontal cortex development
0:24:00 – Frontal cortex matures fully around age 25
0:27:31 – Frontal cortex shaped by experience and environment
0:33:02 – Baboon troop living near human garbage dump
0:35:06 – Studying baboon health and stress physiology
0:39:30 – Social affiliation reduces aggression in baboons
0:42:16 – Non-genetic transmission of behavior styles in baboons
0:45:54 – Game Park Rangers cull aggressive baboons
0:48:51 – Discussion on free will and brain function
0:51:19 – Frontal cortex impairment after prolonged wakefulness
0:55:10 – History and impact of lobotomy procedures
1:00:23 – Historical views on epilepsy and behavior
1:02:05 – Optimism about progress in neuroscience over centuries
1:04:32 – Childhood abuse linked to human aggression
1:05:14 – Use of No Lie MRI in legal settings
1:07:09 – Call for greater public science education

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Joe Rogan Experience. Starting point is 00:00:20 Yeah. Starting point is 00:00:37 Perhaps not. Starting point is 00:01:07 So it's this protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, and it's got one of these weird parasitic lifestyles. Starting point is 00:02:05 and then put Toxo in a rat and it loses that aversion. And in fact, in a subset of rats, Starting point is 00:03:01 So Toxo has just figured out the most brilliant way of doing it. It makes cat pee smell Starting point is 00:03:44 You get rabies, Starting point is 00:04:36 Dopamine is this neurotransmitter. Starting point is 00:05:20 other things that can kill them yep yeah wow and at one point my lab was full of like Bobcat pee and wolf pee and there's actually like a company you could buy urine from. Starting point is 00:06:19 bit disinhibited behaviorally so just in general they're out more and more exploratory more likely to get eaten but Starting point is 00:07:10 there's a higher rate with schizophrenia of individuals who have antibodies against toxo Starting point is 00:08:07 reckless speeding. If you're toxo-infected and clinically depressed for the same severity of Starting point is 00:08:39 In the speech that I saw you give, Starting point is 00:08:57 infectious disease doctor who Starting point is 00:09:25 I don't know why, but there's a high rate of that Starting point is 00:09:52 like okay this is a parasite that's very selectively developed this life cycle between Starting point is 00:10:32 bacteria and God knows what else out there that manipulate host behavior in ways we just Starting point is 00:10:58 but it seems to have some similar effects but not as extreme. Starting point is 00:11:37 rancid and infectious and rodent equivalents of STDs. So, normally sick animals, parasite-infected animals and such Starting point is 00:12:29 So you're a male rat infected with toxo. Starting point is 00:12:58 It's crazy. Starting point is 00:13:21 Other than, again, pure anecdotalis...

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Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #965?

Robert Sapolsky was the guest on JRE #965. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #965?

On Joe Rogan Experience #965 with Robert Sapolsky, topics include Baboon Behavior, Toxoplasma gondii, Neurotransmitters, and Parasite Manipulation.

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