[bioundgrd] FW: DMSE Wulff Lecture: "Bridging Brain and Machine", Prof. Polina Anikeeva, Fri 4/22, 3:30

[Joshua Stone]

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From: Rebecca A Shepardson <bshep at mit.edu<mailto:bshep at mit.edu>>
Subject: DMSE Wulff Lecture: "Bridging Brain and Machine", Prof. Polina Anikeeva, Fri 4/22, 3:30
Date: April 21, 2022 at 4:10:23 PM EDT

DMSE is Pleased to Present

The Spring 2022 Wulff Lecture

Prof. Polina Anikeeva
"Bridging Brain and Machine: A Materials Scientist’s Journey in Neuroscience”

Friday, April 22, 2022
3:30-4:30
10-250
reception immediately following


Abstract: Put your two fists together – this is the size of your brain. Inside it, about 100 billion neurons connected by trillions of synapses are exchanging electrical, chemical, and mechanical signals. Approximately the same number of glia – the other cells in the brain, protect and support this symphony of activity. How can we understand this incredible complexity? And how can we use this knowledge to treat the neurological disorders and mental illnesses that afflict our society? In my talk, I will show how Materials Science and Engineering principles can be applied to create tools that match the complexity of the nervous system. I will describe fibers that look like nerves and can deliver drugs, genes, and light into the brain, while also recording the neuronal activity. I will then take you on a journey to the nanoscale describing magnetic nanoparticles that can convey remote signals to proteins on membranes of neurons, allowing us to wirelessly control behavior and physiology without invasive implants. I will conclude with a discussion of emerging problems in Neuroscience that can uniquely benefit from Materials Science thinking.
The Wulff Lecture is an introductory, general audience, entertaining lecture that aims to educate, inspire, and encourage MIT undergraduates to take up study of materials science and engineering and related fields. The Lecture honors the late Professor John Wulff, a skilled, provocative, and entertaining teacher who conceived of a new approach to teaching general chemistry and inaugurated the popular first-year subject 3.091 Introduction to Solid State Chemistry.

Polina Anikeeva: Professor of Materials Science and Engineering; Professor in Brain and Cognitive Sciences; McGovern Institute for Brain Research; Associate Director, Research Laboratory of Electronics

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