Brain Day Auckland
click here for: Brain Day 2012 Timetable
FREE EVENT: NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED
Parking in building ($5) – disabled access to all levels of building. Click here for a map outlining Grafton Road
Lectures by leading neuroscientists, clinical neurology experts and community support group leaders
Brain games and activities – and fun science experiments to test your senses
Brain anatomy demonstrations
Interact with the experts with talks and workshops for all ages
Displays and talks by the Neurological Foundation, the Centre for Brain Research and community support groups.
Brain Day Auckland is proudly brought to you by the Neurological Foundation and the Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland.
Lectures:
9.30am: Dr Johanna Montgomery, Neuroscientist, University of Auckland
Brain Chatter: brain cell communication in learning, health and disease
Your brain is made up of 10 billion brain cells. These cells are very ‘sociable’, constantly talking to each other in order to maintain a healthy brain. In this talk we will show you how scientists eavesdrop on brain cells to understand how they talk to each other, how this underlies learning and memory, and how this occurs differently when brain cells are altered by developmental or neurdegenerative disease.
10.30am: Professor Richard Faull, Neuroscientist; Professor Mike Corballis, Cognitive Psychologist; Professor Louise Nicholson, Neuroscientist
Myths of the brain
Understanding the brain is the last frontier of medical research and one of the most challenging areas in medicine. By unlocking the secrets of the brain we learn more about ourselves, who we are and our future. Yet how much do we really know about the brain? Do we use only 10%? Are men and women different? Can we repair the brain? Here a panel of experts will discuss these questions and answer yours.
11.30am: Dr Rosamund Hill, Neurologist
The science of autism
Autism Spectrum Disorders including Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome affect up to 1 in 150 individuals! This presentation will discuss our current understanding of the neuroscience of this condition – including the structural differences in the brain and the rapidly growing understanding of the genetics of this fascinating developmental condition. The talk will also dispel myths around how people can and can’t get autism.
1.00pm: Dr Cathy Stinear, Neuroscientist
The changing brain
Your brain changes as you use it, through a process called neural plasticity. New technologies present information to our brains in new and exciting ways, and our use of technology may unintentionally change how our brains work. Is this a good thing or has this already become a problem for society?
2.00pm: Dr Anotonio Fernando, Insomnia Specialist
Sleep: science, disorders and practical issues
All of us sleep but for many, sleep remains a mysterious phase of our daily life. Learn about the basic science of sleep along with the different types of sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnoea. This talk will reveal some practical tips on better sleep.
3.00pm: Dr Trecia Wouldes, Neuroscientist
Alcohol, tobacco and “P” – effects on babies and their brains
Drugs such as alcohol, tobacco and “P” are increasingly being used by NZ women during pregnancy. In addition, mothers who continue to use drugs during their pregnancy may be dealing with stressors such as mental illness and poverty. All of these factors may impact a child’s developing brain. Learn how drugs and the lifestyle of a mother who uses drugs can affect the developing brain and behaviour of her child.