How do octopus arms sense and taste the world? In this recently published study in the summer of 2025 from the Bellono Lab at Harvard University, titled "Environmental microbiomes drive chemotactile sensation in octopus", I'll dive deep in to findings, the experimental methods, and what it means for us to understand complex sensory systems.

Animal models have been the backbone of neuroscience discoveries. This episode honors those animals and introduces the audience to the most commonly used animal models while also discussing how scientists are pushing towards a future away from animal use. You'll learn about the C. elegans, the fruit fly, zebra finch, the mouse, and the monkey and how they contribute to neuroscience research.

Welcome to Mapa BrainLab, the neuroscience podcast where neuroscience meets storytelling.

I’m Mayuri Patel, a neuroscientist, actor, and your guide through the latest discoveries in brain science. Every week, I break down a recently published neuroscience paper — no jargon, just accessible, engaging storytelling.

From fruit flies to brain implants, we explore how science is revealing the secrets of behavior, memory, language, and more — one study at a time.

Whether you’re a student, scientist, or just brain-curious, you’ll walk away with new insight and a few nerdy facts to share.

New episodes every week. Subscribe now and join the lab!