Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Ed Yeates ReportingTouchy, feely real human brains, that's what East High School students did today. For many it was an insight into this last frontier of science like they've never experienced, before, and a lesson on what drugs do to the brain.
"As I'm holding this brain, I'm feeling it and my hand is sending information back to my brain."
Christine Fogarty-Celestino and her colleagues from the University of Utah gave these East High School students something to think about, from the very organ in their own skulls that lets them do just that.
It's really not much to look at from the outside, or even extraordinary to touch or feel. But what's inside blows the mind."
Justin Hicken, Student: "I was fascinated by the fact that it isn't the size your brain that shows how smart you are, but the number of nerve fibers and connections in your brain that determines intelligence."
This last frontier in science is something the U's new Brain Institute will be studying, something now these students feel a part of.
Andrew Nelson, Student: "You know your brain is there, but you really don't think about all the things there are to it and how complex it is."
Even zebra fish were brought to Michael Lloyd's classes because these little creatures can show the brain forming in only a day.
Zach Montoia, Student: "I mean right there, they're using the green fluorescence protein to map out the genetic and embryonic growth of the fish, and that's just fascinating, man."
Even neuro pathways from one connecting point to another unfolded before their eyes.
The students also saw actual physical brain damage that comes from using street drugs.
Quentina Vea, Student: "Even after only two years of using it, she was only in her mid 20's, she looked like she was in her mid 50's."
Stimulate the brain, but do it by thinking, that's what these students are all about.
The University's Neuroscience Outreach Program is moving out, not only to high schools, but elementary and middle schools, as well.
