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Science
Updated August 15, 2025
David Eagleman
David Eagleman is a neuroscientist and author known for exploring brain plasticity and time perception. His work bridges science and public understanding through books and TV shows.
Notable Facts
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Neuroscientist and bestselling author
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Brain plasticity research pioneer
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Time perception expert
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Creator of sensory substitution devices
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Host of PBS neuroscience series
Career Highlights
Background
David Eagleman is a neuroscientist, author, and entrepreneur with a multidisciplinary background. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in British and American Literature from Rice University before completing a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. His early career focused on time perception, synesthesia, and brain plasticity, establishing him as a rising figure in cognitive neuroscience.
Major Contributions
Eagleman’s work spans research, invention, and public communication. He developed the sensory substitution wristband, a wearable device that converts sound into tactile feedback for the deaf. He co-founded Neosensory, a company commercializing this technology.
Proposed the theory of "possibilianism," a philosophical stance emphasizing exploration of multiple scientific explanations for unresolved questions.
Authored Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain, exploring subconscious processes, and The Brain: The Story of You, a popular science book adapted into a PBS series.
Created the television series The Brain with David Eagleman, which demystifies neuroscience for general audiences.
Impact on Their Field
Eagleman bridges academia and public engagement, making complex neuroscience accessible. His research on time perception and synesthesia has influenced cognitive psychology and neurotechnology. The sensory substitution wristband represents a practical application of neuroplasticity, offering new communication avenues for the deaf. His writings and media projects have popularized neuroscience, inspiring broader interest in the field.
Current Work/Relevance
Eagleman continues to lead Neosensory, developing devices for sensory augmentation. He serves as an adjunct professor at Stanford University and directs the Center for Science and Law, applying neuroscience to legal systems. His ongoing projects include exploring brain-machine interfaces and the ethical implications of neurotechnology. Eagleman remains a prominent voice in neuroscience, combining research, innovation, and public education.
David Eagleman is a neuroscientist, author, and entrepreneur with a multidisciplinary background. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in British and American Literature from Rice University before completing a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. His early career focused on time perception, synesthesia, and brain plasticity, establishing him as a rising figure in cognitive neuroscience.
Major Contributions
Eagleman’s work spans research, invention, and public communication. He developed the sensory substitution wristband, a wearable device that converts sound into tactile feedback for the deaf. He co-founded Neosensory, a company commercializing this technology.
Impact on Their Field
Eagleman bridges academia and public engagement, making complex neuroscience accessible. His research on time perception and synesthesia has influenced cognitive psychology and neurotechnology. The sensory substitution wristband represents a practical application of neuroplasticity, offering new communication avenues for the deaf. His writings and media projects have popularized neuroscience, inspiring broader interest in the field.
Current Work/Relevance
Eagleman continues to lead Neosensory, developing devices for sensory augmentation. He serves as an adjunct professor at Stanford University and directs the Center for Science and Law, applying neuroscience to legal systems. His ongoing projects include exploring brain-machine interfaces and the ethical implications of neurotechnology. Eagleman remains a prominent voice in neuroscience, combining research, innovation, and public education.
Personal Story
Who They Are
David Eagleman is a neuroscientist, bestselling author, and science communicator known for making complex brain science accessible to the public. Born in 1971 in New Mexico, he grew up with a fascination for the human mind and earned a PhD in neuroscience from Baylor College of Medicine. Eagleman wears many hats: he’s a researcher, a professor at Stanford University, and the creator of the popular PBS series The Brain.
Why They Matter
Eagleman’s work bridges the gap between academia and everyday life, helping people understand how their brains shape their reality. He’s a pioneer in sensory substitution—using technology to help the deaf "hear" or the blind "see" through other senses. His research on time perception and brain plasticity has influenced fields from psychology to artificial intelligence.
Beyond the lab, Eagleman is a passionate advocate for science education. He’s the founder of Neosensory, a company developing wearable tech to enhance human perception, and BrainCheck, a platform for cognitive health monitoring. His TED Talks and public appearances have made him one of the most recognizable faces in neuroscience.
What They’re Known For
Eagleman’s bestselling books have brought neuroscience to mainstream audiences:
Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain explores the hidden workings of the unconscious mind.
The Brain: The Story of You delves into how our brains create our sense of self and reality.
Livewired examines the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and rewire itself.
His TV series The Brain with David Eagleman captivated viewers with stunning visuals and relatable explanations of how the brain shapes everything from decision-making to dreams. Eagleman’s knack for storytelling and cutting-edge science has made him a go-to expert for understanding the mysteries of the human mind.
David Eagleman is a neuroscientist, bestselling author, and science communicator known for making complex brain science accessible to the public. Born in 1971 in New Mexico, he grew up with a fascination for the human mind and earned a PhD in neuroscience from Baylor College of Medicine. Eagleman wears many hats: he’s a researcher, a professor at Stanford University, and the creator of the popular PBS series The Brain.
Why They Matter
Eagleman’s work bridges the gap between academia and everyday life, helping people understand how their brains shape their reality. He’s a pioneer in sensory substitution—using technology to help the deaf "hear" or the blind "see" through other senses. His research on time perception and brain plasticity has influenced fields from psychology to artificial intelligence.
Beyond the lab, Eagleman is a passionate advocate for science education. He’s the founder of Neosensory, a company developing wearable tech to enhance human perception, and BrainCheck, a platform for cognitive health monitoring. His TED Talks and public appearances have made him one of the most recognizable faces in neuroscience.
What They’re Known For
Eagleman’s bestselling books have brought neuroscience to mainstream audiences:
His TV series The Brain with David Eagleman captivated viewers with stunning visuals and relatable explanations of how the brain shapes everything from decision-making to dreams. Eagleman’s knack for storytelling and cutting-edge science has made him a go-to expert for understanding the mysteries of the human mind.