Ep 1. Meet the Brain

Brain Games is an American popular science television series that explores the mysteries of the human brain. In season seven, episode one, titled Meet the Brain, the show takes a deep dive into the workings of the brain and its extraordinary power. As the title suggests, the episode introduces us to the brain, the most intricate organ in the human body.

The episode begins by describing the brain as a massive network of neurons that form an intricate system. This complex system is responsible for everything that we do, think, feel, and believe. It controls our senses, our emotions, our creativity, and our intellect. The show then introduces us to some mind-boggling facts about the brain, like how the brain can process information in just a fraction of a second and its ability to generate new neurons throughout our lives.

Host Jason Silva then takes us through various experiments and challenges that aim to test our understanding of the brain. The first experiment proves that our brains tend to fill in the gaps in our perception, and we often see what we expect to see rather than what is actually there. The experiment involves objects being hidden behind a screen, and participants are asked to guess what the obscured object is by simply looking at the outline of it on the screen. The results show that the brain is so adept at filling in the gaps that people guessed the objects with astonishing accuracy, even when the actual object was entirely different from what they thought.

In another experiment, we get to witness the power of our brains to find patterns even in randomness. The challenge is to figure out a hidden rule in a random sequence of shapes. The task is impossible at first glance, but as the show progresses, viewers get to see how patterns form and how our brains can detect them even when they are not visible on the surface.

One of the highlights of Meet the Brain is when the show takes us on a journey through one of the most potent parts of the brain - the amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions. The episode reveals how different emotions activate different areas of the brain, and how some people's amygdalas are wired differently, making them more or less prone to emotional responses.

The show also touches on how the brain can be easily fooled - through optical illusions, for instance. The episode features several optical illusions that leave viewers amazed and confused at how the brain can be tricked into seeing things that are not there.

In between experiments and challenges, the show breaks down complex scientific concepts into easily understandable terms. For example, the episode explains how the brain can learn and adapt even during adulthood through a process known as neuroplasticity. The show also touches on cognitive biases, the idea that our brains are prone to making mistakes in judgment and decision-making due to inherent biases.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers get to see how the brain's power can be harnessed to achieve incredible feats. The show features real-life examples of how people with disabilities have used the power of their brains to overcome their physical limitations. The episode concludes by highlighting the fact that the brain is still a vast unknown, and there is much yet to be discovered about the mysteries of this incredible organ.

In conclusion, Brain Games season seven episode one, Meet the Brain, is an exciting journey through the complexities of the human brain. From optical illusions to cognitive biases, the episode is packed full of experiments and insights that provide a glimpse into the extraordinary power of the human brain. The show presents scientific concepts in an engaging and accessible manner, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the workings of the brain.