Neuroscience Student Association

1. Neuroscience Student Association November 29, 2011

2. SfN Conference 2011 http://www.sfn.org/am2011/ Download abstracts, youtube videos from the “Dialogues” lecture on economics and the brain, the Kavli Symposium on neuroscience and the law, and the Public Advocacy Forum on obesity.

3. Upcoming Events • BBS Brown Bags – FRIDAYS in GR 4.301 from 1-2:00pm • Dec. 2 – Patrick Beall.Using Meal Pattern Analysis to Measure Transient Changes in the Intensity of Rat Temporomandibular Joint Pain. • Dec. 9 – Marise Parent.Reciprocal Interactions Between Energy Intake and Memory. • Center for Vital Longevity Lunch Series – MONDAYS at CVL Conference Room (8th Floor) from 12-1:00pm • Dec. 5 – John Jonides, PhD. Improving Intelligence. • FLASH Brown Bag – FRIDAYS in Callier Center Dallas room J108 (videolink in Callier Center Richardson in 1.508) from 12-1:00pm • Dec. 9 – Melissa Sherman.The Information Content of Expressive Language at Ages 4 and 6 Years.

4. UTD BBS News Comets Get Creepy, Kooky and Creative for Halloween Nov. 1, 2011

5. UTD BBS News $7 Million in Awards Fund Research for Veterans Research by the Center for BrainHealth Aims to Help Veterans Deal with Post-Combat Issues Nov. 11, 2011 A student uses equipment that is part of haptics research, which could help identify how the brain can best signal the body to move a prosthesis. “We do not want to be a last resort for the injured but rather a place to test, define, and deliver effective training protocols to elevate brain fitness much in the same way service members are expected to train for physical fitness,” said Dr. Dan Krawczyk, program leader at the Center for BrainHealth. A student is fitted with equipment for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. A new study aims to help those who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

6. UTD BBS News Research Widens Study of Brain's Role in Tinnitus Experiments Find Functioning Changed by Noise in Previously Undetected Ways Nov. 14, 2011 UT Dallas neuroscientists are examining whether multiple areas of the brain are culpable in causing tinnitus, research that could enable new medical interventions against the disabling effects of severe “ringing in the ears.” Dr. Tres Thompson found that exposure to loud noises induces plasticity in the hippocampus, a section of the brain not primarily associated with hearing but known for learning-related plasticity. This neuroplasticity – changes in the function of the brain in reaction to experiences – could open the door to long-term tinnitus, he said. A three-year, $135,000 grant from the American Tinnitus Association supports this work in Thompson’s lab. The next stage of research will focus on drug treatments aimed at reducing or reversing plasticity. Thompson wants to test whether certain drugs targeting plasticity mechanisms might inhibit or change plasticity, protecting against tinnitus.

7. UTD BBS News Prof Shares Facial Recognition Security Research Technology Draws Interest at UK Conference Ahead of 2012 Olympics Nov. 29, 2011 Dr. Alice O’Toole, a professor of cognitive neuroscience went to London to present her findings at the Biometrics Exhibition and Conference. Biometrics is the measurement of physical characteristics to identify individuals, such as fingerprints, DNA, retinal patterns or facial features. During the October conference, the United Kingdom’s Home Officehosted a smaller meeting for prominent academics and government officials. The Olympics are slated for London in 2012, so security leaders were particularly interested in how biometrics might be used to protect against terrorism or other types of crime, O’Toole said. She presented her latest face-recognition research to a group that included representatives of the Communications-Electronics Security Group, the UK information assurance agency; the United States FBI; the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office; the Australian attorney general’s office; and the London Metropolitan Police, also known as Scotland Yard. Research in Dr. O’Toole’s lab is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense The figures, which show information about gender, are part of research in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences Face Perception and Research Laboratories.

8. Undergrad Research Scholar Grants 2011

9. Spring Semester • Meeting Times • Mondays @ 4pm & Thursdays @ 7pm • Journal Clubs • Immediately following general meetings • Tab will be added to website with journal selections past and present, and method to submit a journal for discussion. • Occurrence – twice a month • 1 led by an NSA officer • 1 led by an NSA member (sign up through website or by contacting UTDNSA@gmail.com) • Special Events/Volunteer Events • Registration sheets – feedback • Make sure to show up if you commit to attending as we will deduct hours if you do not cancel >24 hrs ahead of time

10. Spring Semester • Upcoming Guest Speaker/Networking Events • Faculty/Student Mixer in January in collaboration with Psi Chi Coalition • Workshop on creating a CV and searching for jobs that can be attained with a Neuroscience degree presented by the Career Center • Panel Discussion from employees working in various fields with neuroscience backgrounds/degrees • End of Year banquet – catered luncheon to honor members, present awards and network • Community Outreach • Outreach to local high schools/grade schools • Study Groups • Feedback email will be sent out to those that participated to make assignments next semester even better

11. Spring Semester • Fundraising • For meetings, events, travel to SfN 2012 New Orleans • Will be mandatory that a portion of your NSA service hours are fundraising related (1 hr or more) • Nu Rho Psi • Update on status of Neuroscience Honor Society

12. Good Luck on Finals!!! See you next year!!!