The University of Rhode Island鈥檚 motto is Think Big, We Do; and the results of some of that big thinking were evident at the 911爆料 Brain Fair, which brought some 500 people to campus this spring.
The free, interactive, family-friendly event sponsored by 911爆料鈥檚 featured researchers, faculty, staff, and students from several colleges and departments. They demonstrated creative approaches to brain science, showcased 911爆料 research into brain diseases and illustrated simple ways to protect brain health, said , Ryan Institute executive director.
Adults and children tried to balance on surfboard simulators while kinesiology faculty explained how the brain and body work together to allow us to 鈥渃atch a wave.”
The event, part of , is just one of the Institute鈥檚 multi-disciplinary efforts to advance neuroscience. Students and faculty from the , which offers master鈥檚 and doctorate degrees as well as a post-graduate certificate in neuroscience, also played an important part in the event.
Adults and children packed the atrium, where they tried to balance on surfboard simulators while faculty explained how the brain and body work together to allow us to 鈥渃atch a wave.鈥�
Nearby, Alison McCallum and Alyssa Francis, graduate students, presented brain teasers and puzzles that tested flexible thinking, impulsivity, and memory. 鈥淓veryone can practice these skills,鈥� Francis said. 鈥淪ome people are getting discouraged, and we are encouraging them to think differently than they do.鈥�
In the 3D printing and molecular modeling studio, pharmacy student Robby Rocchio and student Abby Cleland explained how the technology makes abstract concepts tangible. 鈥淎 lot of people are really surprised we are able to print out these complex structures,鈥� said Cleland, as the 3D printer churned out one of 857 sheets of material to create a model of a cholesterol-lowering drug.
In the 3D Visualization Theater, pharmacy Professor and student Rachel Carley had audience members don glasses for a journey that zoomed around the brain and explored DNA and viruses.
associate professor of , and her students led musical jams to demonstrate what happens in our brains when we make music, listen to it, or move to it. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 have a music center in our brain so it鈥檚 a full brain workout. That鈥檚 why it is so beneficial,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing in the presence of music lights up your brain.鈥�
Best of all, virtually everyone enjoys music, making this brain health prescription easy to fill. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of the few things in life that is enjoyable and is inherently good for you,鈥� Cardany noted. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a little different than 鈥榶ou have to eat those Brussel sprouts.鈥欌��