Remembering beautiful minds: Animal intelligence, Tourette's and physiology

Tourette Syndrome affects about 1 in 100 people, and its most well-known symptom is tics—sudden, involuntary movements or sounds. Current treatments include medications, which can have unpleasant side effects, or behavioural therapies, which can be hard to access. However, a new, non-invasive treatment which uses gentle electrical pulses on the wrist has been shown in a recent clinical trial to reduce tics without side effects. This talk explores how it works and its potential for treating other disorders.

Extreme or irregular cardiovascular responses to psychological stress pose significant health risks, with both exaggerated and blunted reactivity linked to adverse outcomes like cardiovascular disease, poor mental health, and maladaptive behaviours. Research has suggested psychological factors are crucial in influencing cardiovascular stress reactivity and may offer valuable insights into individual differences that influence these responses.

In the 3rd century AD, a Roman wrote ‘Mischief and craft are plainly seen to be characteristics of this creature.’ He was describing octopuses.
Recent observations of wild octopus show them organising hunting parties with other species Aquarium staff have to install octopus proof locks to stop them wandering about as they please. They pick up rubbish to use as armour, pretend to be other animals when it suits them and steal food from fishermen. In this talk we will explore the amazing mind of an octopus and ask the question. ‘Is this a bit like a first contact situation with meeting an alien?’