Brain Awareness Archive
2011 Brain Awareness Season
Lecture Series
Understanding and healing the Brain—from synapses to entire systems
The secrets of the brain are being revealed by these world-renowned scientists. Learn about the latest findings and potential pathways to recovery for brain disorders.
February 7
A Window into the Brain: A New Approach to Depression
Helen Mayberg, M.D., Emory University
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a revolutionary technology—electrodes implanted in the brain so that low-voltage electrical currents stimulate regions to counteract disease. This relatively new medical technique, already benefitting thousands of Parkinson's disease patients, may one day be employed to treat a wider range of diseases including: depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette's syndrome, dystonia, chronic pain and depression.
"DBS opens a new horizon of therapies for many of the chronic brain ailments that trouble humanity."
–Dr. Mehmet Oz, Vice chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University and author of YOU: The Owner's manual: An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger.
February 14
From Genes to Brains: A New Understanding of Autism
Daniel Geschwind, M.D., Ph.D., UCLA
Autism is a tragic disease, for the patient and for the family. It is a poorly understood disorder. Nevertheless, the frequency among U.S. children is greater than that of pediatric cancers, diabetes and AIDS combined. Even more concerning: the prevalence of autism is increasing—one of every 110 children is diagnosed with the disease. In recent years, few medical conditions of childhood have stoked deeper concern—and ignited greater controversy. What is happening? Where does it come from? What can be done?
February 21
Pain and the Brain: Perception and the Pathways to Relief
Howard Fields, M.D., Ph.D., UCSF
Pain is both a sensation and a motivation. Our expectations, mood and perspective on pain powerfully influence how much something actually hurts—and the decisions we make every day. The relief of pain and production of pleasure are closely related functions in the brain. Both have strong influences upon and are influenced by learning. Most people think of pain as a result of physical injury or disease, but psychological factors also play a huge role in pain perception. Pain is intimately tied to brain functions that govern behavior and decision making, including expectation, attention and learning. Pain competes for our attention and reaches far into our psyches. Neuropathic pain is especially difficult to live with and to treat. It is the result of damage to the body's nervous system and can cause excruciating pain.
March 15
The Brain and the Immune System: How the Body Can Turn on Itself and Cause Such Problems as M.S., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Stroke and other Disorders
Stephen Hauser, M.D., UCSF
Sometimes our bodies turn on us. The immune system becomes our own worst enemy. This can especially happen with the brain and nervous system causing a neuro-inflammatory response that can lead to such diseases as MS, Alzheimer's, Stroke, and Parkinson's. Neuroinflammation is a new and rapidly expanding field that has revolutionized our understanding of chronic neurological diseases. This field has grown to encompass researchers with backgrounds in many diverse fields, including pathology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, clinical medicine, and epidemiology. Important contributions to this field have come from work with populations, with patients, with postmortem tissues, with animal models, and with in vitro systems.
Brain Awareness 2010
February 1How We Decide: From Brains to Behavior
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February 15Battling Brain Disorders: The Critical Importance of Mental Health Advocacy—For the Individual and For Society
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February 22The Mercurial Mind: Bipolar Disorder and CreativityKay Redfield Jamison How can one survive if their brain is constantly riding an emotional rollercoaster? That is a question faced by those who suffer from bipolar disease, otherwise known as manic-depressive illness.This relatively common mental disorder can cause unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and even influence one’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. It can also lead to unbridled exuberance and creativity. What does make the artistic temperament so unique and so volatile? Psychiatrist and author Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., is one of the nation’s foremost experts on bipolar disorder. She has suffered from the disease her entire adult life. She is the author of several national bestsellers including An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness, Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide, and Touch with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament. She is co-author of the standard medical text on manic-depressive illness and the recipient of national and international scientific awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship. Dr. Jamison will share her understanding, experiences and insights and discuss the heights and depths the mind can achieve. |
March 1The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional LifeJoseph LeDouxWe know our emotions by their intrusions (welcome or otherwise) into our conscious minds. Understanding emotion in the human brain is clearly an important quest, as most mental disorders are emotional disorders. Emotions become powerful motivators of future behaviors. Mental health is maintained by emotional hygiene and mental problems, and to a large extent reflect a breakdown of emotional order. Joseph LeDoux , Ph.D., is one of the top world experts on emotional memory. His work, especially on fear, has given us insight into the biological mechanisms of learning about and storing information about danger. This understanding of the role of the amygdala in conscious and subconscious memory and the role of cognition in regulating the fear reaction is both complex and exciting. Dr. LeDoux is the Henry and Lucy Moses Professor of Science and Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at New York University. He is also the director of the Center for the Neuroscience of Fear and Anxiety … and a singer and guitarist in the science-themed rock band; The Amygdaloids! |
March 8The Executive Brain: The Frontal Lobes and the Civilized MindJordan GrafmanCan the characteristics of leadership be defined and mapped in the brain? Can we change our own brains to resemble those of outstanding leaders? Are there training programs for more "leader-like' brains?Is there such a thing as "executive intelligence"? When we stimulate our brain by actively thinking, we are sculpting our own neural architecture," says Jordan Grafman, Ph.D., Chief of the Cognitive Neuroscience Section in the NINDS. How mental activity improves cognition (and reduces dementia risk in later life by setting up a cognitive reserve in the brain) is a central area of his research; denser synaptic connections equals more flexibility , adaptability and neuroprotection. When you put your brain to work, you make the science of cognitive fitness work for you.Putting it all together means enriching your brain… and your life… and increasing your chances of maintaining your mental edge and functional independence.Cognitive fitness is the next big thing; use it or lose it! |
March 15, Free Marquam Hill Lecture
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Brain Awareness 2009: The Power and Potential of the Brain
Lecture Series- Neuroplasticity: The Amazing Adaptability of the Brain. Mike Merzenich, Ph.D. (UCSF)
- Learning, Arts and the Brain: The Latest Findings. (Based upon the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives report on the arts and cognition, 2008.)
- Neuroscienc. and Arts experts (including Mike Posner and Helen Neville, Chris Coleman and Dan Weiden). and a pane. moderated by John Frohnmayer, past Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts followed by a specia. "creativity" reception with major Portland and Oregon arts groups.
- Aging Brain Plasticity: It's Never Too Late to Learn or Improve. Carl Cotman, Ph.D. (UCI)
- 10th Anniversary Celebration of Oregon Brain Awareness
Special original performance on The Brain Chemistry of Love by Valerie Day, well-known Portland pop and jazz singer, Portland Chamber Orchestra, pianist Darrell Grant and Larry Sherman, Ph.D. OHSU neuroscientist)
- MARQUAM HILL LECTURE: Tinnitus: What's the Buzz About? Lecture by Billy Martin, Ph.D., OHSU neuroscientist FREE Lecture
- TEACHER WORKSHOP: "Mouse etiquette: What does a mouse's response to social situations tell us about Autism?"
FREE Workshop, Garet Lahvis, PhD, OHSU Department of Behavioral Neuroscience
- OHSU BRAIN & BODY FAIR After a break of 2 years (because of extensive efforts during Body Worlds) the OHSU Brain Fair is back! In this, the 10th year of Brain Awareness Season, the fair will feature Brain & Body. This is great fun and will be a wonderful way to engage our community.
Brain Awareness 2008
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Memory and the Mind
Many adults can easily recall their childhood phone number or school locker combination. Where are these memories stored in the mind and how can we hold on to them for so many years? Nobel Prize winner Eric Kandel, M.D., of Columbia University, will answer these questions. Hear how his memory research helped form the basis of modern neuroscience.
- The Developing Brain
Do our childhood experiences affect our brain development? Is it possible to prevent depression or disability by addressing these problems early in life? Pat Levitt, Ph.D., director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, is an expert in diagnosing and disrupting abnormal brain development. As a parent, learn what you can do to spot early warning signs and attack brain disorders head on.
- Sleep and the Brain
Can sleep improve your memory and your mood? What’s more important when it comes to sleep, quantity or quality? Distinguished sleep neuroscientist and body clock expert Al Lewy, M.D., Ph.D., director of the OHSU Mood Disorders Research Laboratory, reveals the science of sleep in a lively lecture guaranteed not to make you drowsy.
- Gender and the Brain
Men may be from Mars and Women from Venus, but sometimes it feels like we’re from different solar systems entirely. Larry Cahill, Ph.D., a neurobiologist at the University of California at Irvine is an expert on gender and the brain. His research has identified the many differences and similarities between male and female brains that has resulted in some mind-boggling findings. Hear how our brains conflict and complement one another.
- Technology for the Aging Brain
Is it possible to measure mental decline? And, if so, can we take steps to slow it? Tamara Hayes, Ph.D., and her colleagues are attempting to measure and slow mental decline using new technologies in the home aimed at identifying early warning signs. Hear more about the aging and what you can do to try and keep it youthful.
Brain Awareness 2007 Lecture Series: The Brain and the Senses
The 2007 Brain Awareness Lecture Series kicked off on February 6th with “The Brain and Hearing” featuring Dr. Nicolson and Dr. Levitin, author of This is Your Brain on Music
2011 Brain Awareness Season
Lecture Series
Understanding and healing the Brain—from synapses to entire systems
The secrets of the brain are being revealed by these world-renowned scientists. Learn about the latest findings and potential pathways to recovery for brain disorders.
Lectures
*UPDATE*
Dr. Nora Volkow was pulled into a critical national meeting.
Dr. Volkow's lecture has been rescheduled to September 15 and relocated to The Oregon Convention Center Ballroom.
- Tickets to the lecture on May 23 will be honored on September 15.
- Refunds will be honored at place of purchase for those who cannot make the September 15 date.
- Tickets will not be on sale at the OCC the night of the event, so tickets must be purchased in advance: Tickets at Ticketmaster or any Ticketmaster outlet.
February 7
A Window into the Brain: A New Approach to Depression
Helen Mayberg, M.D., Emory University
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a revolutionary technology—electrodes implanted in the brain so that low-voltage electrical currents stimulate regions to counteract disease. This relatively new medical technique, already benefitting thousands of Parkinson's disease patients, may one day be employed to treat a wider range of diseases including: depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette's syndrome, dystonia, chronic pain and depression.
"DBS opens a new horizon of therapies for many of the chronic brain ailments that trouble humanity."
–Dr. Mehmet Oz, Vice chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University and author of YOU: The Owner's manual: An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger.
February 14
From Genes to Brains: A New Understanding of Autism
Daniel Geschwind, M.D., Ph.D., UCLA
Autism is a tragic disease, for the patient and for the family. It is a poorly understood disorder. Nevertheless, the frequency among U.S. children is greater than that of pediatric cancers, diabetes and AIDS combined. Even more concerning: the prevalence of autism is increasing—one of every 110 children is diagnosed with the disease. In recent years, few medical conditions of childhood have stoked deeper concern—and ignited greater controversy. What is happening? Where does it come from? What can be done?
February 21
Pain and the Brain: Perception and the Pathways to Relief
Howard Fields, M.D., Ph.D., UCSF
Pain is both a sensation and a motivation. Our expectations, mood and perspective on pain powerfully influence how much something actually hurts—and the decisions we make every day. The relief of pain and production of pleasure are closely related functions in the brain. Both have strong influences upon and are influenced by learning. Most people think of pain as a result of physical injury or disease, but psychological factors also play a huge role in pain perception. Pain is intimately tied to brain functions that govern behavior and decision making, including expectation, attention and learning. Pain competes for our attention and reaches far into our psyches. Neuropathic pain is especially difficult to live with and to treat. It is the result of damage to the body's nervous system and can cause excruciating pain.
March 15
The Brain and the Immune System: How the Body Can Turn on Itself and Cause Such Problems as M.S., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Stroke and other Disorders
Sometimes our bodies turn on us. The immune system becomes our own worst enemy. This can especially happen with the brain and nervous system causing a neuro-inflammatory response that can lead to such diseases as MS, Alzheimer's, Stroke, and Parkinson's. Neuroinflammation is a new and rapidly expanding field that has revolutionized our understanding of chronic neurological diseases. This field has grown to encompass researchers with backgrounds in many diverse fields, including pathology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, clinical medicine, and epidemiology. Important contributions to this field have come from work with populations, with patients, with postmortem tissues, with animal models, and with in vitro systems.
*NEW DATE* September 15
*UPDATE*
Dr. Nora Volkow was pulled into a critical national meeting.
Her lecture has been rescheduled to September 15 and relocated to The Oregon Convention Center Ballroom.
- Tickets to the lecture on May 23 will be honored on September 15.
- Refunds will be honored at place of purchase for those who cannot make the September 15 date.
- Tickets will not be on sale at the OCC the night of the event, so tickets must be purchased in advance: Tickets at Ticketmaster or any Ticketmaster outlet.
The Brain and Drug Addiction
Nora Volkow, M.D., Director, National Institute of Drug Abuse
Drug Addiction is a disease and goes beyond willpower. From street drugs to medicine cabinet drugs, from drugs you puff, to drugs you drink… addiction is often just around the corner. It creates a conflict between the brain circuits in an individual, affects whole families, and takes an enormous toll on society.
September 15, 7 pm
*NEW VENUE* Oregon Convention Center, Oregon Ballroom
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Portland
Tickets at Ticketmaster
Brain Awareness Season Teacher Workshop
March 5
Secrets of the Sleeping Brain
Matthew Walker, Ph.D. Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of California at Berkeley
Brain Awareness Season Brain Fair at OMSI
Saturday, March 12, 9:30 am–5 pm
Learn about the amazing adaptive power of the brain when the largest Brain Fair in the country returns to OMSI March 12. This year's cerebral celebration will include interactive exhibits, real brains, crafts, demonstrations, prizes, and OHSU neuroscientists explaining their groundbreaking research.
Event is free and open to the public (museum admission is not included).
Marquam Hill Lecture
March 21
Forty Years in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research: A Personal History
Robert Hitzemann, Ph.D., OHSUTickets, available at no charge, are required to attend this lecture. Please contact the Portland Center for the Performing Arts at 503 -432-2917.
