Simply Beautiful: Models to investigate complex brain function

An introduction on how model organisms can teach us about where we come from and how we behave.
The human brain is a complicated organ that lies at the heart of the human experience. It allows us to feel the world and express human behaviour. Given this it is not surprising that it has a complex biological organization. Most of us are aware that this involves specialized building blocks called nerve cells that are capable of controlled generation of electrical activity.
Our lab use simple organisms to understand these complex systems. Although these organisms are unlikely to write Shakespeare or an episode of EastEnders, they can help understand the workings of the human brain. Indeed, the power of these model systems has seen them awarded many more Noble prizes than Shakespeare. There is nothing better than trying to understand complicated things. However, we can also use these models to help address so called real world problems.
During the evening we will set the stage by introducing Noble Prize winning models of the human brain. We will take you on a journey through the evolution of the nervous system, guided by the seemingly humble placozoans. These minute creatures hold profound secrets about the origins of complex nervous systems. Then, in the time it takes to play the perfect pop song, we reveal in 3mins snippets, the various ways in which our favourite models help us understand the brain.
Whether you're a seasoned neuroscientist or simply curious about the wonders of biology, this talk tries to stimulate thoughtful discussions on the evolutionary pathways that have shaped our understanding of the nervous system.

"In this presentation, we embark on a journey through the evolution of the nervous system, guided by the seemingly humble placozoans. These minute creatures, often overlooked, hold profound secrets about the origins and development of complex nervous systems, including that of humans. We will explore how placozoans, with their simplistic structure, offer a unique window into understanding the fundamental aspects of neurobiology. Whether you're a seasoned neuroscientist or simply curious about the wonders of biology, this talk tries to stimulate thoughtful discussions on the evolutionary pathways that have shaped our understanding of the nervous system.

We will show how members of our lab are using model organisms to understand the brain.

Jo Haszczyn - Toxic. Intoxicating nerve transmission.
Professor Lindy Holden-Dye - Feed the world: Model brains to make food go further.
James Dillon/James Lamb - I am what I am. Simple insights into neuroatypical brains.
Eleonora Pieroni - Aciid. Never put vinegar on your Polpo.
Lucy Scullard - I wanna hold your hand. Chaperones to keep things above board.
Dr Expidito Olimi - Rapping it all up.