Events

Split-brain research explained by Prof Michael Gazzaniga

Prof Michael Gazzaniga
Prof Michael Gazzaniga

12th Kenneth Myer FREE public lecture
12 June 2008

A recording of the 12th Kenneth Myer Lecture delivered by Prof Michael Gazzaniga - 'Split-brain research explained' is now available here.


Left vs Right
Hear about how the brain’s left and right hemispheres work in unison and understand why a Jekyll and Hyde phenomenon occurs when they are separated. Learn about one of the biggest discoveries in neuroscience from a world leader in split-brain research.

Split-brain reveals how the brain enables the mind
One of the most fascinating syndromes in neurology is the split-brain patient. These patients, who have had their brains split to provide relief from crippling epilepsy, seem to have two minds. What the left hemisphere learns and thinks is completely unknown to the right hemisphere, and vice versa.

Experiments uncover how the brain functions
Michael Gazzaniga and Roger Sperry began their split-brain research 45 years ago and it continues today. Their experiments have given scientists a better understanding of brain function. Split-brain studies have shed light on language, mechanisms of perception and attention, brain organisation, and the potential for false memories. Perhaps most intriguing have been their revelations on consciousness and evolution.

A world leader in cognitive neuroscience
Michael Gazzaniga is a Professor of Psychology and Director for the SAGE Center for the Study of Mind, University of California. He is also the Director of the Summer Institute in Cognitive Neuroscience, President of the Cognitive Neuroscience Institute, a member of the US President’s Council on Bioethics, and Chair of The Law and Neuroscience Project. He has published many books about the brain accessible to the public, as well as scientific books on cognitive neuroscience.

Play the split-brain experiments game here.
This game is made available with the courtesy of Nobelprize.org. © Nobel Web AB.

My life in science by Dr Peter Agre MD

11th Kenneth Myer FREE public lecture

A recording of the 11th Kenneth Myer Lecture delivered by Dr Peter Agre MD - 'My life in science' on 12 July 2007 is available here.

Dr Agre’s public lecture ‘My life in science’ traced the unusual story of his own scientific development. Dr Agre drew on his personal history as he examines the role of science in the public sphere, with a particular focus on the importance of science education.

Dr Agre won the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his laboratory’s 1991 discovery of the ‘channels’ that regulate and facilitate water molecule transport through cell membranes, a process that is essential to all living organisms. Dr Agre is currently the Vice Chancellor for Science and Technology, Duke University, North Carolina, USA.

Brain Disorder and Medical Awareness Events

Event Date
International Brain Awareness Week 10 – 16 March 2008
National Huntington’s Disease Awareness Day 28 March 2008
Motor Neurone Disease Week 4 - 10 May 2008
World Parkinson’s Day 11 April 2008
National Epilepsy Awareness Week 12 – 18 May 2008
Schizophrenia Awareness Week 18 – 24 May 2008
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week 29 May – 4 June 2008
ALS/Motor Neuron Disease Global Awareness Day 21 June 2008
Drug Action Week 22 – 28 June 2008
Medical Research Week 1 – 8 June 2008
National Science Week 16 - 24 August 2008
Parkinson’s Awareness Week 3 – 9 September 2008
Dementia Awareness Week 17 Sept – 17 Oct 2008
World Alzheimer’s Day 21 September 2008
Mental Health Week 7 – 13 October 2008
World Mental Health Day 10 October 2008
Research Australia’s “Thank You” Day Campaign 10 October – 7 November 2008
Huntington’s Disease Awareness Week 2 – 8 November 2008
Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month 1 – 30 November 2008
Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Week 12 – 16 March 2008
National Stroke Week 17 – 23 September 2008
National Australia Giving Week 1 – 7 December 2008

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