Ep 12. Memories

Brainchild is a science-based series produced by Pharrell Williams and Atomic Entertainment designed to tickle the curiosity and inform Gen Z viewers on a gamut of scientific concepts. The episodes that run on Netflix seeking to make science 'cool' for the younger generation. It explains scientific principles in simple and engaging ways, and connects science with everyday life.

As the penultimate episode of the first season, episode twelve of Brainchild is titled “Memories,” and rethinks how memories are stored and recalled in the human brain. This episode introduces the science behind memory, exploring the ways our brain stores and retrieves information to form our memories. Hosted by Sahana Srinivasan and Alie Ward, the show explores how our memories impact our lives, our sense of self, and our perception of the world.

The episode begins with an analysis of a person's typical day and how much of it involves their memories. Through analogies, Sahana explains how memory processing functions in the brains of humans and other animals. She resorts to a creative experiment involving a group of elephants to put forth the importance of memories in the animal kingdom. Additionally, the hosts delve into the phenomenon of false memory – how people can be convinced to recall something that did not happen, spurring a discussion on criminal investigations, mind control techniques, and witness testimonies.

Alie takes over and elucidates more on the study of memory creation processes. With the use of a memory foam bed as a prop, she initiates a discussion on the role of repetition in memory and the “spacing effect” – a tested study technique that strengthens memory retention. Joining them in their search for experiences and answers to questions about the human brain is a group of school children engaged in different activities that cater to their different learning styles. Moreover, the show adapts a light and approachable style, which will surely appeal to any viewer with an interest in the topic as well as those who are coming fresh.

In a segment called "Strange Science," Brainchild takes a look at a new study that claims the human brain works faster when tired, a statement that happens to be true, but people don't necessarily notice it. The segment highlights the importance of brain health and how it affects our neurological system.

The episode presents the story of two individuals who lack the ability to remember anything that has happened in the past. Sahana and Alie explain how the condition of amnesia affects life and the brain's ability to form and retrieve information. Through an interview with researchers in the field, the show provides insight into how they study memory in both animals and humans. Meanwhile, Alie describes a real-life experiment that tests memory retention in pairs of individuals.

Brainchild’s episode on memories stands out due to the creative and practical nature of the content. The show pulls in different scenarios that cover different topics that revolve around the general subject of memory. This episode does an excellent job of breaking down memory into concepts that are easy to understand and remember, for instance, the “Encode, Store, and Retrieve” model. It also includes interactive segments that help the viewer connect more deeply with the content. This episode stands out due to its ability to clarify scientific concepts that would be difficult to understand without such an approachable and human-focused delivery. Moreover, the use of animations helps to illustrate the scientific concepts that serve to clarify the viewer's understanding of the topic at hand, making it more enjoyable and engaging.

In conclusion, Brainchild Season 1 Episode 12: “Memories” is a great educational tool for viewers interested in the human brain's complexity, particularly in memory formation and recollection. Through its entertaining and engaging exploration of different concepts, it demonstrates the significance of memory and how to improve it by strengthening the different components of memory processes. It highlights the importance of brain function and how to best utilize it, pointing out that “keeping a healthy lifestyle for the brain is one way to improve memory and be able to always remember the key aspects of our daily experiences.”