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Our brain controls our thoughts and actions. It shapes who we are and how we see the world. Our brain also stores our memories, but where and how? We will learn about memory loss in dementia, and how research can help us fight it. We will also explore how we perceive the world and what happens when perception changes in the brains of people with Autism.
Holes in the mind: Did my memories fall through?
It is estimated the brain can store 1 million gigabytes! We can learn tens of thousands of words, how to walk, or to play a musical instrument. Why then is it so hard to remember what we had for dinner last week, or the name of the person who just told you their name barely 10 seconds ago? What exactly is memory anyway? Where in the brain are memories stored, and can we even rely on them? Can we improve our memory? We will also explore memory failure in dementia and research to combat this, including whether there is anything we can do to reduce our chances of getting it in the first place.
Building better brains: understanding distorted sensation using synthetic touch
Aleks Domanski (Research Associate)
How do our brains learn to paint for us the subtle canvas of the world? Our early experiences are crucial for assembling circuits that guide our decisions and interpret the actions and emotions of others throughout life. Individuals with Autism experience innocuous sensations as unpleasant and distressing - implicating faulty processing of sensory input in cognitive and social problems. But what is going on at the level of circuits of neurons and how can we help? Through neural recordings, network simulation and robotics I will explore how sensory perception changes in Autistic brains.
Other The Greenbank events
2022-05-10 How much does good health cost? The Greenbank 57 Bellevue Road, Bristol, BS5 6DP, United Kingdom
How much does good health cost?
2022-05-11 Wandering Wombs: Menstrual, Maternal and Mental Health The Greenbank 57 Bellevue Road, Bristol, BS5 6DP, United Kingdom