The Brains at Brain Fair

“I’ve been very involved in science literacy because it’s critically important in our world today…As a public, we’re asked to vote on issues,…accept explanations,…figure out what to do with our own health care, and you can’t do that unless you have some level of science literacy.”

― Mae C. Jemison

Coronavirus, climate, housing and food insecurity, energy infrastructure, resource management – these days we’re all called upon to make critical decisions about personal and community health and welfare.

These challenges are enormous, and can make us anxious.

The limbic system. (Left) Lateral view of cortex. (Right) Sagittal view of slice through midline. NAc, nucleus accumbens; OFC, orbital frontal cortex; PAG, periaqueductal gray, VTA, ventral tegmental area. FROM: The Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety involves feeling your own body – your beating heart, for example, along with intrusive thoughts about potential consequences. The more intense this feels, the harder it is to consider and make better informed decisions.

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Taking steps to effectively address concerns can help reduce anxiety, while protecting ourselves and those around us. If we want to meet our local and global challenges, these decisions should be informed by accurate, evidence-based information.

Giant metal neuron by artist/NW Noggin volunteer Darrin Lane at the OMSI Brain Fair!

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Yet much of current U.S. political leadership is scientifically illiterate.

“Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back.”

― Carl Sagan

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Coordination of the federal response to the coronavirus, for example, is now tasked to a Vice President (Mike Pence) whose ill-informed policies as governor of Indiana worsened the spread of HIV infection in that state.

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LEARN MORE: How Mike Pence Made Indiana’s HIV Outbreak Worse

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Incorrect information, biased and ineffective measures – and deliberate dishonesty – all serve to deepen public anxiety, making it harder for people to productively respond.

“One moment of incompetence can be fatal.”

― Frank Herbert

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Happily the annual OHSU Brain Fair at the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) is an inspiring balm for the anxiety-inducing inadequacy of the current White House!

“I don’t want to believe. I want to know.”

― Carl Sagan

NW Noggin brought more than 30 informed, scientifically engaged volunteers to OMSI this weekend for a full day of art and brain activities with our Northwest community!

Our welcome NW Noggin volunteers included NIH BUILD EXITO scholars McKenzie Figuracion, Mikah Brandes, Andrea Rano and Isabella Maranghi from Portland State University, Bekah Obradovich, Carli Cox, Chloe Voshell, Anky Guchait, Annabelle Winking, Drew Sinclair, Danny Gray, Kassidy Fitzgerald, Ash Marlin, Brittani Southard, Albert Shiue, Nuno Busch, Beth Woodward, Sydney Duran, Will Nasi, Greyson Moore, Taylor Almond, Zoie Harpole, Sai Kiersarsky, Cam Howard, Katie Hashimoto and Jesus Martinez from PSU, Iris Guttierez from WSU Vancouver, Arielle Isakharov from OHSU, Aaron Eisen from the National University of Natural Medicine, and Angela Hendrix from NW Noggin.

Curious Portlanders streamed into Portland’s riverside science museum for FREE on Saturday from 10 – 5pm!

OMSI is pricey for many families, with $15 tickets for “adults” aged 14 and up, plus additional charges for “blockbuster” shows like the current Body Worlds, where you can “Experience the science and splendor of the human body through all stages of life with an up-close view of real human specimens.”

Did someone say “up close view of real human specimens?” Brains, brain research and NW Noggin volunteers: Scientific literacy aiming to be accessible, inclusive and free 🙂

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Thankfully the Portland Alcohol Research Center at OHSU generously fueled the 30+ noggins of those bringing the (extra!) brains – and their welcome expertise and enthusiasm – as valued, scientifically literate volunteers to Brain Fair this year!

Thank you PARC!

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We had a blast!

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So many insightful questions, and such genuine interest in understanding and exploring federally funded neuroscience research, coronavirus, educational and job opportunities, neuroanatomy, mental health,…

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There were fewer Brain Fair visitors this year, perhaps partly due to anxiety over COVID-19.

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By our informal “nitrile glove estimate” of attendance, we counted ~300 people (six boxes of 100 gloves each) holding brains, versus ~900 (18 boxes!) from last year’s event.

Our sincere thanks to our valued, welcome NW Noggin volunteers who spent an entire March Saturday listening and helping foster science literacy amongst the next generation of leaders. And thank you PARC for pizza, coffee & supplies!

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