Biological function of tachykinin increase after isolation
In your amazing episode with Dr. David Anderson you two discussed tachykinin increases following social isolation and how this led to aggression in rats (or maybe it was mice). I know you've mentioned this increase in tachykinins before and was curious what you think is a plausible mechanism for this? Would this have evolved as a defense mechanism after being separated from one's "tribe"? The possibility that the NEXT encounter would be threatening is very high, which may account for the biology. Just wondered what you thought. As always, thanks for all you do!
Performance Nerves
Can you describe the mechanism that leads to performance nerves as it applies to performing musicians? Specifically, is adrenaline the sole cause of physical shaking and/or tightening in stressful situations, or are other chemicals such as cortisol/acetylcholine also involved? How do levels of adrenaline brought on by various stressors compare to those brought on by caffeine/cold exposure etc.? What are some methods to employ or avoid given the goal of achieving similar levels of focus, physical relaxation and fine motor coordination both in stressful moments of performance and work bouts in preparation for performance? 2-Can you comment on mechanisms of “beta blockers” such as propranolol and how these might be interact with caffeine and other compounds that improve focus?
What supplements do you take
What supplements do you take them?When do you take them and why? I have have seen you mention several supplements you take across many podcasts, but have never seen it compiled in one place. Aside from being a smart guy, you have the benefit of access to some of the smartest people in the world regarding supplementation and I think this would be a useful topic.
The flip-side of addiction, Dr. Carl Hart
Happy Friday! When I was a kid I took codeine for migraines and didn't like the way it made me feel, so I never experimented with drugs like my friends did. After surgery, I took one vicodin proactively to prevent pain during sleep. While it made me feel great, very positive, I felt that I was on top of the world, I never took another. When I heard that alcohol was actually a poison, I cut back to virtually no alcohol immediately and I fully enjoyed getting drunk. I truly believe that I could try heroin once and never use it again. Therefore, I think it would be interesting to hear you discuss this side of addiction, that it is not what people think it is, with Dr. Carl Hart (https://drcarlhart.com/).