Wired for Wonder - Neuroscience of Creativity

Join me, Carmen, your host of Science Savvy, as I dive into the fascinating science of creativity! In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Alicia, a psychology-trained artist and entrepreneur, as we unpack how the brain fuels creativity from a medical and scientific perspective. We’ll explore the roles of the prefrontal cortex and default mode network, the surprising ways dopamine affects creative flow, and how simple lifestyle tweaks can unlock more imaginative thinking. Whether you’re an artist, a science enthusiast, or just curious, tune in to discover how creativity works and learn tips to boost your own creative potential.

 

Further reading / references:

• Adnan, A., Beaty, R., Silvia, P., Spreng, R. N., & Turner, G. R. (2019). Creative aging: Functional brain networks associated with divergent thinking in older and younger adults. Neurobiology of Aging, 75, 150–158. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.11.004.

• Kulisevsky, J., Pagonabarraga, J., & Martinez-Corral, M. (2009). Changes in artistic style and behaviour in Parkinson's disease: Dopamine and creativity. Journal of Neurology, 256(5), 816–819. doi:10.1007/s00415-009-5001-1.

• Weinberger, A. B., Green, A. E., & Chrysikou, E. G. (2017). Using transcranial direct current stimulation to enhance creative cognition: Interactions between task, polarity, and stimulation site. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 246. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2017.00246.

• Chi, R. P., & Snyder, A. W. (2012). Brain stimulation enables the solution of an inherently difficult problem. Neuroscience Letters, 515(2), 121–124. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2012.03.012.