Mind and Body

We all know that interacting with others can be great, can be tricky, can be rewarding, can be frustrating. Sometimes we need it, sometimes we prefer not see anyone! Here, we look at a couple of ways in which at a very basic level, interaction with others shapes how we experience the world, but also ourselves.

Did you know your brain contains a time machine? The hippocampus has amazing abilities; it helps you remember events and special moments, makes it possible to daydream about the future and it’s also a GPS , helping you navigate and imagine new places. Hear tales of the hippocampus, discover what happens when this incredible time machine gets damaged and learn how we can keep it in tip top condition!

With over half of the world’s population being bilingual, our linguistic background is an important part of our personal identity. It is also an important factor influencing memory performance on a daily basis: we use language to communicate but also, for example, to study and to set reminders for ourselves. I will discuss ways that language can shape what we do and do not remember, with implications for applied research in education and eyewitness testimony.