Episode 9: Substance Abuse and the Neurobiology of Addiction

In our episode on addiction, we admitted we weren’t sure if marijuana was truly addictive. That question stuck with me—so I went back to the research.In this bonus episode, Zane dives into what he found after reviewing two major studies: a 2024 Journal of Clinical Investigation review by Le Foll et al. and a 2025 JAMA Network Open paper by Gowin et al. The evidence? Cannabis can be addictive for some people, and heavy or frequent use is linked to measurable changes in brain circuits that regulate memory, motivation, and control.We break down how THC affects the endocannabinoid system, why today’s high-potency products raise the risk of dependence, and what brain imaging is revealing about long-term cannabis use. Zane also highlights current treatments for Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)—from behavioral therapies to experimental brain stimulation approaches like TMS.This is the kind of journey we love—admitting what we don’t know, following the science, and bringing you along as we learn together.References:Le Foll, B. et al. (2024). “Cannabis use disorder: from neurobiology to treatment.” Journal of Clinical Investigation, 134(20): e172887. DOI: 10.1172/JCI172887Gowin, J. L. et al. (2025). “Brain Function Outcomes of Recent and Lifetime Cannabis Use.” JAMA Network Open, 8(1): e2457069. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.57069🎧 New episodes and bonus content available on all platforms—just search “Gopu & Zane” or visit lybrandlab.org/jospod

Substance abuse and addiction affect everything from how we live to how we think about choice. But what is addiction, and how do scientists study it? In this episode, Gopu shares what he’s been learning as he steps into the field of addiction neuroscience. Together, we explore the prevalence of substance use, why research often focuses on drugs like MDMA, THC, amphetamines, and opioids, and why everyday behaviors like eating sugar or scrolling social media are harder to study.We also touch on the opioid crisis, naloxone as an antidote for fentanyl, and the role astrocytes and dopamine may play in addiction pathways.A casual between friends about the science of substance use, the questions researchers ask, and the early steps of a journey into addiction neurobiology.New episodes on all platforms—just search “Gopu & Zane” or visit lybrandlab.org/jospod

Artificial intelligence has entered the academic workflow. Can we trust it? In this episode, we share how we use large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT in our daily work: from drafting emails, organizing messy thoughts, and processing large datasets, to searching through the overwhelming flood of new research. But it’s not all smooth sailing. We also dive into the current struggles and limitations; inaccurate information, fabricated references, and the risk of leaning too heavily on a tool that doesn’t always get it right. We ask the big question: Is AI the next step in how we process and synthesize science, or just another imperfect tool we’ll have to learn to manage? New episodes streaming on all platforms. Just search Gopu & Zane or visit https://lybrandlab.org/jospod

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is increasingly understood as a disruption in how the brain predicts and processes sensory input. Instead of reacting to the world, our brains constantly anticipate what’s coming next—but in FND, that system breaks down. Dr. Lane shares how predictive coding helps explain real symptoms like tremors or non-epileptic seizures, even without structural brain damage—and how treatments like TMS may help reset these faulty circuits.A powerful conversation about neuroscience, healing, and how context shapes recovery. New episodes on all platforms—just search “Gopu & Zane” or visit lybrandlab.org/jospod

Curious about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)? In this episode of The Journey of Science, we dive into what TMS is, how it works, and why it’s gained traction as a treatment for depression and other neurological conditions. We explore: How TMS uses magnetic fields to modulate brain activityDifferences between low- and high-frequency TMSThe research behind FDA approvals and clinical applicationsEmerging uses for OCD, PTSD, migraines, and moreMechanistic insights from studies in humans and animal models For detailed show notes and references, visit: 👉 https://lybrandlab.org/jospod

How do scientists actually use social media?In this episode of The Journey of Science, we talk about the role social platforms play in our daily work—from staying productive to sharing papers to finding our communities.We dig into:The Twitter-to-X transition: What’s changed for science discussion?How we use social media for networking, data, and collaboration.The balance between visibility, distraction, and meaningful connections.Tips (and real talk) about using these tools without losing your mind.For show notes and links, visit: https://lybrandlab.org/jospod

In this episode, CJ shares with us her improbable journey that begins with an initial fear of undergraduate chemistry class and grows into a career designing and building state of the art microscopes at Janelia Research Campus. We chat about resilience and facing challenges head on, something CJ has learned to embrace. Do join us :)

Today we join Dr. Tou Yia Vue, an assistant professor of Neuroscience at the University of New Mexico Health Science Center, in celebrating of his first R01! He shares his Journey of Science from Southeast Asia to the Southwest. We chat about the importance of resourcefulness in science and starting a lab. And we settle the debate, "Who is the best Marvel scientist?" Do join us :)

In this episode we have Dr. Aswathy Ammothumkandy, a postdoctoral researcher from the Bonaguidi lab at the University of Southern California, joining us to discuss her Journey of Science spanning from Southern India to Southern California. We also talk about her research, and how we (try to) achieve the day-to-day art of living a life while being a full time scientist. Do join us :)

Hello Guys! Gopu and Zane here. With this episode, we kickstart our podcast talking about our experience in completely changing the field of research after PhD and starting a new - all that in the heights of pandemic!It will be a fun ride. Do join us!