Dual-function receptors in our skin make mint cool and chili peppers hot. Without the brain's dedicated centers for pleasure and emotional touch, an orgasm would feel more like a sneeze - convulsive, but not especially nice. Dr. David Linden, New York Times best-selling author of The Compass of Pleasure, delves into how the organization of our body's touch circuits is a complex and often counter intuitive system that affects everything from social interaction to general health and development.

Touch: The Science of Hand, Heart and Mind

It's no secret that without a good night's sleep we feel mentally sluggish. But what does out brain do while we sleep? Is there a scientific reason we dream? Dr. Robert Stickgold will explore why dreaming and sleep are key to retaining, strengthening and processing new memories and skills.

Kate Stout