Join neuroscientists from the University of Colorado Boulder for public programs featuring the latest research on the impact of life choices on brain health Thursday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce Street.
Both events are free and open to the public and provide a unique opportunity to learn about some of the latest neuroscience research from CU-Boulder scientists.
“Brain Matters: Life Choices and Brain Research” is on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. Researchers from the CU-Boulder Intermountain Neuroimaging Consortium (INC) will give an overview of the mechanisms by which healthy lifestyle choices affect the brain and will discuss some of their current research exploring the effects of exercise, stress, alcohol consumption, and meditation on brain structure and function.
— Marie Banich, director of the Institute of Cognitive Science, will provide an overview of the center’s research and community benefits;
— Jess Andrews-Hanna, research associate, will discuss the effects of stress on the brain and methods to counteract stress;
— Hollis Karoly, psychology and neuroscience doctoral student, will talk about the detrimental effects of heavy alcohol use on the brain, as well as the latest research indicating exercise has a protective effect for alcohol users;
— Marina Lopez-Sola, post-doctoral research fellow, will discuss fibromyalgia and depression and what MRI and neuroscience can explain about the disorders.
“The INC’s research is a real asset for the community,” said Nicole Speer, director of operations for the Intermountain Neuroimaging Consortium, a partnership between CU-Boulder and the Mind Research Network in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “We are thrilled to have this unique opportunity to share our findings with people who can benefit from what we are learning about the brain.”
On Jan. 25, neuroscientists will return to the Louisville Library to engage kids and families in “Healthy Brains, Healthy Kids” from 1-3 p.m. There, researchers will provide hands-on activities for elementary-aged children to learn about how the brain works, how neuroscientists study the brain, and how kids — and parents — can help their brains grow stronger and healthier. Kids will decode MRI images, build neurons, act like neurotransmitters, and send eggs on “dangerous” adventures to demonstrate the importance of protecting their brains.
The programs are jointly sponsored by the Louisville Public Library and the Office for University Outreach as part of CU at the Library and the Intermountain Neuroimaging Consortium’s outreach initiatives. The INC aims to excite the community about neuroscience research and empower individuals to take charge of their health.
Speer and the Intermountain Neuroimaging Consortium also conduct a K-12 outreach program that translates neuroscience research through two interactive, educational school visits. Kids in grades kindergarten through 5th grade learn about the basics of neuroscience and the importance of sleep, exercise, nutrition, and protecting their brains.
“I like to call it a guide book for their brains,” Speer said. “Kids rarely get to make decisions, but we give them information about their brain and its development to help them make decisions and feel empowered to take control of their mental and physical health.”
To learn more about the library programs contact outreach@colorado.edu, and for more information about the Intermountain Neuroimaging Consortium K-12 outreach program contact Speer at nicole.speer@colorado.edu.
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