This episode introduces neuroplasticity- which is how our brain and nervous system learns and acquires new capabilities. I describe the differences between childhood and adult neuroplasticity, the chemicals involved and how anyone can increase their rate and depth of learning by leveraging the science of focus. I describe specific tools for increasing focus and learning. The next two episodes will cover the ideal protocols for specific types of learning and how to make learning new information more reflexive. Thank you to our sponsors: InsideTracker - http://insidetracker.com/huberman Headspace - http://headspace.com/specialoffer Madefor - http://getmadefor.com/ -- code: Huberman Supplements from Thorne: http://www.thorne.com/u/huberman   Reference: https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(16)30332-3?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982216303323%3Fshowall%3Dtrue Timestamps below. 00:00 Introduction 03:50 Plasticity: What Is it, & What Is It For? 06:30 Babies and Potato Bugs 08:00 Customizing Your Brain 08:50 Hard-Wired Versus Plastic Brains 10:25 Everything Changes At 25 12:29 Costello and Your Hearing 13:10 The New Neuron Myth 14:10 Anosmia: Losing Smell 15:13 Neuronal Birthdays Near Our Death Day 16:45 Circumstances for Brain Change 17:21 Brain Space 18:30 No Nose, Eyes, Or Ears 19:30 Enhanced Hearing and Touch In The Blind 20:20 Brain Maps of The Body Plan 21:00 The Kennard Principle (Margaret Kennard) 21:36 Maps of Meaning 23:00 Awareness Cues Brain Change 25:20 The Chemistry of Change 26:15 A Giant Lie In The Universe 27:10 Fathers of Neuroplasticity/Critical Periods 29:30 Competition Is The Route to Plasticity 32:30 Correcting The Errors of History 33:29 Adult Brain Change: Bumps and Beeps 36:25 What It Takes to Learn 38:15 Adrenalin and Alertness 40:18 The Acetylcholine Spotlight 42:26 The Chemical Trio For Massive Brain Change 44:10 Ways To Change Your Brain 46:16 Love, Hate, & Shame: all the same chemical 47:30 The Dopamine Trap 49:40 Nicotine for Focus 52:30 Sprinting 53:30 How to Focus 55:22 Adderall: Use & Abuse 56:40 Seeing Your Way To Mental Focus 1:02:59 Blinking 1:05:30 And Ear Toward Learning 1:06:14 The Best Listeners In The World 1:07:20 Agitation is Key 1:07:40 ADHD & ADD: Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder 1:12:00 Ultra(dian) Focus 1:13:30 When Real Change Occurs 1:16:20 How Much Learning Is Enough? 1:16:50 Learning In (Optic) Flow/Mind Drift 1:18:16 Synthesis/Summary 1:25:15 Learning With Repetition, Forming Habits   As always, thank you for your interest in science! Please note that The Huberman Lab Podcast is distinct from Dr. Huberman's teaching and research roles at Stanford University School of Medicine. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Huberman Lab Podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed. [Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac https://www.blabacphoto.com/]