Science Café Cleveland presents
The electrical excitability phenomenon of nerves opens opportunities for engineers to create tools to control the nervous system
JANUARY 8, 2018
FEATURING:
J. Thomas Mortimer, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University
EVENT INFORMATION:
A particular type of cell called the neuron is the basic building block of the nervous system. This talk will focus on two important properties of neurons. First, a portion of that cell contains a membrane protein that responds to a changing voltage and it is the key element that enables the nerve to communicate with other neurons over long distances. Second, at the terminal end of the neuron a chemical substance called a neurotransmitter is released to operate on other cells when the propagated signal arrives. Using a battery connected to metal electrodes that are positioned near the neuron, we can activate the membrane protein and can cause the release of neurotransmitters. In principle, this tool can be used to control sensations perceived by humans and even their behaviors. To test your comprehension of this tool, during the session you will be given the opportunity to design a neural prosthesis that could make you a millionaire.
LINKS OF INTEREST:
To prepare yourself to get the most out of this Café, go to ANCtoolkit.com, register (free), and view Module I, through the movies. ANCtoolkit is a growing repository of knowledge related to controlling the nervous system by the application of electrical stimuli.
CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK PICKS:
If the discussion topic for this month's Science Cafe has the gears turning and you are interested in continuing your quest for information, click here to view just a small sample of what's available at the Cleveland Public Library on the subject and/or related topics.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHERE:
The Music Box Supper Club - Concert Hall
1148 Main Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
WHEN:
January 8, 2018
Doors will be open 5:30 - 9:00 PM (Last call at 8:45PM). Presentation and discussion is 7:00 - 8:00 PM. The Concert Hall will also host a limited menu before and during the event. Not to mention a full bar! (Click here to view menu). Come early, get a good seat, grab a bite and a beverage and enjoy the discussion!
WHO:
Sponsored by Case Western Reserve University chapter of Sigma Xi, WCPN ideastream, and the Music Box Supper Club.
