BRAIN DAY 2012 – a review

Photos: Alexander Grünsel

Rubber arms and junior researchers

Under the slogan „From Fundamental Research to Therapy“ the second Brain Day was held in the Veranstaltungszentrum of RUB on the 26 September. Around 150 guests took part in lectures, dance lessons, rubber hand-experiments and a brain-exhibition, or were informed by the representatives of 12 regional patient organizations.

Brainiacs

There are scientists in every age group. During Brain Day, visitors had the chance to learn about the brain from very young scientists. Children aged ten to thirteen hosted a variety of experiments, for example tests for color blindness, and explained their neuroscientific background to the participants. Those who wanted to try something really tricky could engage in complicated learning and memory tests offered by doctoral students. Numerous optical illusions highlighted how our brains see the world.

Rubber hand-Illusion

Illusions were also offered elsewhere. PD Dr. Hubert Dinse’s Neural Plasticity Lab gave a demonstration of the so-called “Rubber hand Illusion”. The investigator repeatedly strokes the same arm with a brush. However, at the same time he also strokes a rubber arm with a second brush, which lies on the table next to the real arm. The trick: The test person cannot see his own arm, but only the rubber arm. He feels the strokes of the brush on his own body, but can only see the dummy. After a while he will get the strange feeling that the rubber arm belongs to his own body.

Dancing keeps you fit

Back by popular demand Tonis Tanzschule was again part of the Brain Day 2012. Studies of Bochum’s Neural Plasticity-scientists have shown that dancing keeps you fit and can reverse some aspects of brain aging. The dance school’s CLUB AGILANDO offered a combination of dancing and rhythm gymnastics and entertaining choreographies, which are effective in keeping the brain active in old age. Interested visitors were invited to watch or take part in a dance lesson.

2013: Third Round

Those who did not yet have the chance to visit Brain Day can already add the 25 September 2013 to their calendar. Brain Day will then enter the third round. It takes place annually in the context of SFB 874 “Integration and Representation of Sensory Processes”. We would be delighted to see you there.

CONTACT:

Ursula Heiler, MA
Tel.: +49(0)234-32-26682
Fax.: +49(0)234-32-14490
E-Mail: sfb874-pr@rub.de

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