2018 Brain Awareness lecture recordings

The "Secret Sauce" to Honing the Mind
Executive function skills - self-control, perseverance, creativity - are more predictive of success than IQ. What supports and what hinders these skills? The surprisingly nutritious brain benefits of play and movement.
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Anxiety and Learning Problems: Could it be the Fats You Eat?
As essential nutrient our brains need for developing and maintaining our mental muscle and moods has been systematically removed from the modern diet - for convenience and "health food." Without it, we can't think, focus or control ourselves as well. Find out how brain food matters in youth and in age.
No presentation is available to view.

2017 Brain Awareness lecture recordings

The Criminal Brain
Why do some people live lawful lives, while others gravitate toward repeated criminality? Do people choose to be moral or immoral, or is morality simply a genetically inherited function of the brain, like mathematical ability? Research suggests certain regions of the brain influence moral reasoning. Dr. Octavio Choi will explore how emerging neuroscience challenges long-held assumptions underlying the basis—and punishment—of criminal behavior.
No presentation is available to view.

Touch: The Science of Hand, Heart and Mind
Dual-function receptors in our skin make mint cool and chili peppers hot. Without the brain's dedicated centers for pleasure and emotional touch, an orgasm would feel more like a sneeze—convulsive, but not especially nice. Dr. David Linden, New York Times-best-selling author of The Compass of Pleasure, delves into how the organization of our body's touch circuits is a complex and often counterintuitive system that affects everything from social interactions to general health and development.
No presentation is available to view. 

Sleep, Memory and Dreams: Putting It All Together
It's no secret that without a good night's sleep we feel mentally sluggish. But what does our brain do while we sleep? Is there a scientific reason we dream? Dr. Robert Stickgold will explore why dreaming and sleep are key to retaining, strengthening and processing new memories and skills.
View the Powerpoint presentation.

2016 Brain Awareness lecture recordings

Alcohol and the brain (YouTube)
The positive health benefits of red wine have been popular news headlines for many years. In moderation, alcohol has been seen to improve cardiovascular health, immune system response, and even prevent gallstones. On the other hand, the negative health and social impacts of alcoholism are apparent in just as much news coverage. Dr. Kathleen Grant explores how behavioral neuroscience informs how, why, and when the risks of alcohol may outweigh the benefits.

Gaming and the brain (YouTube)
The generation just coming of age has been exposed to more electronic technology than any one prior to it. Video games in particular have drawn scrutiny as influencing the obesity epidemic, attention deficits, and pronounced violence of our youth. They also show promise as educational tools, memory enhancers, and improving high-level thinking. Dr. Adam Gazzaley presents the science behind your brain on games.

Marijuana and the brain (Youtube)
Oregon recently joined only three other states to legalize recreational marijuana. As consumption of the plant's products becomes more a mainstream activity, its health benefits and risks will be at the forefront of policy discussions. Dr. Nephi Stella explains the role marijuana plays in cutting edge neuroscience research.