Dr. Vatsala Thirumalai on The Biology of Movement and the State of Indian Science
Dr. Vatsala Thirumalai on The Biology of Movement and the State of Indian Science
Episode #008
Introduction
“All locomotion is kind of rhythmic.”
Dr. Vatsala Thirumalai is a distinguished neuroscientist and a faculty member at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biotech Engineering from Anna University and later pursued a PhD in Neuroscience from Brandeis University, showcasing her diverse academic background and profound interest in the intricacies of biological systems.
Dr. Vatsala’s research focuses on understanding the neural circuits and mechanisms underlying motor control and coordination. Her work involves studying Central Pattern Generators (CPGs), which are neural circuits that produce rhythmic outputs in the absence of rhythmic input, crucial for understanding locomotion and other repetitive movements.
One of Dr. Vatsala’s significant contributions is her research on the zebrafish model. Zebrafish are ideal for studying neural circuits due to their transparency during early development and the simplicity of their nervous system. Her studies have provided insights into how CPGs function and evolve, offering a window into the broader understanding of motor control and its disorders in humans.
In this episode, she discusses the interdisciplinary nature of her academic journey from biotech engineering to neuroscience, underscoring the importance of imagination in scientific discovery. Dr. Vatsala reflects on the elegance of scientific theories, the advantages of zebrafish in neurological research, and her love for the humorous fiction of Bagyam Ramasami. She emphasizes the critical role of mentors in shaping young scientists' careers and envisions a collaborative future for Indian science with active participation from both the private sector and government.
In her perspective, the future Indian scientist will be adaptable, innovative, and collaborative, thriving in a global scientific landscape. Dr. Vatsala’s insights into the current state of Indian science highlight the need for improved research and development, supported by strong mentorship and interdisciplinary approaches.
“Imagination is the bedrock on which research stands.”
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Selected Links
People Mentioned
Ideas & Other References Mentioned
Locomotion as a Biological Process
CPGs (Central Pattern Generators)
Cortical Neurons (Cerebral Cortex)
Department of Biotechnology, Anna University
‘The View from the Cheap Seats’ by Neil Gaiman
Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
Department of Atomic Energy (USA)
Center for Brain Research, IISc
Center for Brain and Mind, NCBS
Center for Computational Brain Research, IIT Madras
Time Stamps
00:00 - 00:14 - Theme
00:15 - 02:15 - On the work of Bagyam Ramasami
0:16 - 07:30 - The Deeper Significance of Studying Neural Networks that support Movement
07:31 - 13:10 - On CPGs (Central Pattern Generators)
13:11 - 17:34 - On the Evolutionary Origins of CPGs
17:35 - 20:55 - What is Rhythm?
20:56 - 26:24 - On CPGs as a Window in the Brain
26:25 - 32:01 - From Undergrad in Biotech Engineering to PhD in Neuroscience
32:02 - 38:33 - The Most Elegant Theory Vatsala’s ever come across
38:34 - 45:02 - On the Zebrafish
45:03 - 50:38 - On the Ethics of Studying Animals for Scientific Progress
50:39 - 52:16 - On the Turing Test as the Four-Minute Mile
52:17 - 55:52 - On running tests on Animal Simulation vis-a-vis actual Animals
55:53 - 01:05:00 - On Intelligence Augmentation in Mammals
01:05:01 - 01:14:32 - On the Power of Imagination
01:14:33 - 01:16:54 - What will the Indian Scientist of the Future look like?
01:16:55 - 01:25:02 - The Current State of Indian Science
01:25:03 - 01:28:49 - On the Private Sector and the Government meeting Indian R&D halfway?
01:28:50 - 01:31:54 - On the Role of Mentors
01:31:55 - 01:32:51 - Thanks and Gratitude
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