Sean Day Ph.D. on Synesthesia: Unlocking the Mysteries of Sensory Cross-Talk
Regarding the colored letters and numbers, there are a couple of different theories, but the main theory is that when we're very young, we have a lot of neural connections between different parts of the brain, but those parts get pruned away over time.
Imagine hearing a piano note and seeing a blue cloud drift by, or listening to a saxophone and witnessing purple neon lights. This is the intriguing world of synesthesia, and in this episode of 'Weekly Infusion', Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce Heischober are joined by Sean Day Ph.D., a synesthete himself, to unpack this fascinating phenomenon. Sean shares his personal experiences and delves into some of the most captivating cases from his research.
The trio discusses how the brain's wiring can lead to these unique sensory experiences, shedding light on the neural pathways that intertwine our senses in such a vivid manner. They also explore how synesthesia might boost creativity, touching on genetic factors and the role of the fusiform gyrus in these extraordinary perceptions. Along the way, they debunk myths about LSD-induced synesthesia and its supposed visionary effects.
Wrapping up, the conversation shifts to the intersection of substance abuse and mental health, examining how pharmaceutical agents play into this complex landscape. If you're curious about the science behind seeing sounds or tasting colors, this episode is a must-listen.