Did you know the human brain has 100,000 million nerve cells, weighs around 1.5 kg and allows you to think, walk, talk and learn. Know your own mind, an interactive event run by Bristol University and At-Bristol starts today [Friday, March 11] in Explore’s Live Science Zone. The event is the University’s contribution to National Science and Brain Awareness Week.
Visitors to Explore will be able to join in with a host of brain-bending events led by University academics from Bristol Neuroscience. There will be mind-boggling activities, information about current research and the chance for the public to have their say on brain-related issues. In addition, academics will be popping in to chat and answer questions about brain science.
The six hands-on activities include: making a nerve cell out of pipe cleaners, distinguishing different smells and building model brains. There will also be a series of short talks on subjects ranging from electrical communication between nerve cells to why your brain is like a lump of plasticine.
Dr Anne Cooke, Neuroscience Research Facilitator for Bristol Neuroscience, said: “Neuroscience is a major area of research in Bristol, and, globally, neuroscientists are making great advances in our understanding of the brain. Such research is essential in meeting the challenges of brain disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, conditions likely to affect all of us at some point in our lives.
“The event aims to communicate neuroscience in a fun way whilst also demonstrating how amazing our brain is, how it can go wrong through accident or disease, and how science is finding ways to intervene and improve the health of patients who, not long ago, would have had little hope of treatment.
“This is a great opportunity for us to share the excitement of neuroscience with members of the public, as well as building on the University’s links with the community of Bristol.”
Know your own mind runs from 11 am to 3 pm until Sunday 19 March and takes place at Explore-At-Bristol, Harbourside, Bristol. Please note there will not be any talks on Saturday 18 March due to Fame Lab taking place.