Dr. Eddie Chang: The Science of Learning & Speaking Languages | Huberman Lab Podcast #95

My guest is Eddie Chang, MD, a neurosurgeon and professor of neurological surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the co-director of the Center for Neural Engineering & Prostheses. We discuss the brain mechanisms underlying speech, language learning and comprehension, communicating human emotion with words and hand gestures, bilingualism and language disorders, such as stuttering. Dr. Chang also explains his work developing and applying state-of-the-art technology to decode speech and using that information and artificial intelligence (AI) to successfully restore communication to patients who have suffered paralyzing injuries or “locked in syndrome.” We also discuss his work treating patients with epilepsy. Finally, we consider the future: how modern neuroscience is overturning textbook medical books, the impact of digital technology such as smartphones on language and the future of natural and computer-assisted human communication. #HubermanLab #Science #Neuroscience Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): Levels: Eight Sleep: InsideTracker: Supplements from Momentous Huberman Lab Premium Social & Website Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: TikTok: @hubermanlab LinkedIn: Website: Newsletter: Dr. Eddie Chang Support research in the Chang Laboratory: Dr. Chang’s lab: Academic profile & publications: UCSF clinical profile: Articles Neuroprosthesis for Decoding Speech in a Paralyzed Person with Anarthria: Articles in the News Tapping Into the Brain to Help a Paralyzed Man Speak: How Brain-Computer Interfaces Could Restore Speech and Help Fight Depression: Decoded Brain Signals Could Give Voiceless People A Way To Talk: Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Eddie Chang, Speech & Language 00:03:00 Levels, Eight Sleep, InsideTracker, Momentous Supplements 00:07:19 Neuroplasticity, Learning of Speech & Environmental Sounds 00:13:10 White Noise Machines, Infant Sleep & Sensitization 00:17:26 Mapping Speech & Language in the Brain 00:24:26 Emotion; Anxiety & Epilepsy 00:30:19 Epilepsy, Medications & Neurosurgery 00:33:01 Ketogenic Diet & Epilepsy 00:34:56 AG1 (Athletic Greens) 00:36:10 Absence Seizures, Nocturnal Seizures & Other Seizure Types 00:41:08 Brain Areas for Speech & Language, Broca’s & Wernicke’s Areas, New Findings 00:53:23 Lateralization of Speech/Language & Handedness, Strokes 00:59:05 Bilingualism, Shared Language Circuits 01:01:18 Speech vs. Language, Signal Transduction from Ear to Brain 01:12:38 Shaping Breath: Larynx, Vocal Folds & Pharynx; Vocalizations 01:17:37 Mapping Language in the Brain 01:20:26 Plosives & Consonant Clusters; Learning Multiple Languages 01:25:07 Motor Patterns of Speech & Language 01:28:33 Reading & Writing; Dyslexia & Treatments 01:34:47 Evolution of Language 01:37:54 Stroke & Foreign Accent Syndrome 01:40:31 Auditory Memory, Long-Term Motor Memory 01:45:26 Paralysis, ALS, “Locked-In Syndrome” & Brain Computer Interface (BCI) 02:02:14 Neuralink, BCI, Superhuman Skills & Augmentation 02:10:21 Non-Verbal Communication, Facial Expressions, BCI & Avatars 02:17:35 Stutter, Anxiety & Treatment 02:22:55 Tools: Practices for Maintaining Calm Under Extreme Demands 02:31:10 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous Supplements, Huberman Lab Premium, Neural Network Newsletter, Social Media Huberman Lab is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions. Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac -