Mayim Bialik from 'The Big Bang Theory' explains why we get nostalgic

Do you remember Mayim Bialik on "Blossom?" She currently plays Amy Farrah Fowler on "The Big Bang Theory" and is the author of the new book "Girling Up." The actress, who is also a neuroscientist, explains what's going on in our brains when we get nostalgic for things like shows we loved as kids — like her popular '90s sitcom. Following is a transcript of the video:

My name is Mayim Bialik, and I play Amy Farrah Fowler on "The Big Bang Theory."

I'm often recognized for my role in "Blossom," the '90s sitcom where I was playing the lead character from the years that I was 14 to 19.

And there actually is kind of a neuroscience reason why we are nostalgic for things. Obviously our brains store everything we experience as memories. And sometimes we store them consciously, and sometimes they're stored more unconsciously.

But one of the reasons that we have such a fondness for certain things is that memories are better encoded when they are paired with a very strong emotional response. So if something tragic or sad happens, you will often remember it in a very persistent way, and if something makes you feel good or makes you laugh a lot, which I think maybe people experienced with "Blossom," you sometimes will get a stronger sense of memory and connection from something that has a positive emotion associated with it.

I should add that sometimes experiences that are negative can be so powerful that you don't remember them at all. That's a whole different chemical process.

Depending on where I am, and I guess the age of the person coming up to me, a lot of people tend to know me from "Big Bang Theory." It's a show that has tens of millions of people watching it every week, so statistically speaking, many people who also like me on "Blossom" are probably watching "Big Bang Theory."

But once in a while, I'll get someone who says "I don't watch 'Big Bang Theory,' but I really loved you on 'Blossom.'"

Often I'll get young women, young enough to be my daughter, saying "my mom loved you on 'Blossom,' but I'm too young to have seen it, so I love you on 'Big Bang Theory.'"

That makes me feel old.

[squeakybeak]

She's so refreshing. Smart and successful - girl power!

[joemasters]

I love that Mayim has a PhD in real life. This is the definition of a true role model.

[hayfordsarfo]

I watch big bang theory everyday- absolutely my favourite show

[aloneinthelight]

Brazil showed Blossom between 2001-2005, so there is a bunch of Young people here who watched your show. Nice memories

[JennieWrenStar]

And as someone old enough to be your Mother; I loved you in Beaches when you played little 'CC', you were so adorable.

[hersv]

She is the real doctor in The Big Bang Theory.

[Brazjul]

I grew up watching blossom as a kid, and it brings me such great memories of my childhood! I love seeing how Mayim went on to be a smart educated and successful woman! A true celebrity role model for young girls!

[grunk]

Well that's 1.58 seconds of my life I'll never get back

[abicus]

Advertisement of "Blossom" and "Big Bang Theory". This video is very good ad, but it is still an ad.

[gabzpot]

I loved Blossom back in the day. I really don't watch The Big Bang Theory anymore. I've stoped before this new character appears.

[JanetStarChild]

Hotdamn, my sister and I used to watch *Blossom* all the time!
Blossom and Six had the best hats. Those two and the Super Mario Brothers made me a lover of hats.

[ByronJuarez]

next time put the notes under the camera that way you dont look odd looking at the corner

[Thermalcool]

Can you explain why my "homework" is not stored

[ByronJuarez]

next time put the notes unddr the cammera

[joshgellis]

Why does she make such an effort to look Indian- she's white and that needs to be okay- She's Jewish, and that's cool. Dad is too. My problems with her is her politics. I love her as Amy or even Blossom, I hate her politics, period.

[november]

i missed what she was saying, i was in shock over that awful makeup

[allistrata]

Now can someone please explain to me why so many smart people can't properly pronounce the "L" sound? They do that throat gurgling thing and it drives me nuts.

[saibamoe]

bucket of make-up
thanks, my eyes bleed now

[MCYcosmin]

If this gets -3, 69 likes, then I'LL NOT POST ANOTHER VIDEO, CHECK ITS NOT LIVE

[tervanruth]

Why would anyone listen to an actress explaining a scientific matter? It is like listening to a lecture on electricity from the guy who played Mr.Bean. Nonsense.