She Blinded Me With Science: How Do We Sustain the Cells in Our Brains?

How Do We Sustain the Cells in Our Brains?

An Evening of Science

We remake ourselves all the time. In each of our brains, there are approximately one hundred billion cells called neurons. These neurons connect in vast networks that allow us to receive and process information, form memories, and navigate the world. Each individual neuron is composed of more than a billion molecules. On average, each of these tiny molecules only lives for a few days. All told, our brains — which define who we are — are made up of billions upon billions of microscopic building blocks that are continually degraded and replaced. Despite this molecular turmoil, we remember who we are. We remember each other — our parents and children, our childhood friends and neighbors — for decades. How do we do this? How do we remember ourselves and each other when the molecules in our brains only live for a few days? As we age, why do some of us develop diseases that cause us to lose our memories, to lose a coherent sense of self?

Thousands of scientists at universities across the country are conducting research to unravel these mysteries. Home-grown researcher, Dr. Erin Barnhart, for an evening of lively scientific discussion. Erin grew up in Easton, graduated from Greenwich Central School (’99) and Harvard (’03), and earned her PhD at Stanford in 2010. Now a professor and scientist at Columbia University, Erin will describe how molecules and cells are organized into complex biological structures like the brain, as well as presenting recent insights from her research group about the maintenance of neurons during aging. She will also discuss how scientific curiosity and investments in fundamental research drive medical breakthroughs, allowing us to live longer, healthier lives. All ages are welcome to attend; please join us!