The Amazing Brain Science Talks

In October 2023, McGill University’s Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives, together with Brain Canada, hosted The Amazing Brain Science Talks. Designed to demystify brain science for a broad audience, this event featured insightful talks by Canadian brain health experts and individuals with lived experiences. Topics ranged from neurodiversity and anxiety to the benefits of sleep and exercise. Watch now to learn more about brain health and the extraordinary capabilities of the human brain.

Watch: Introducing the Amazing Brain Science Talks

World-renowned neurologist Vladimir Hachinski introduces the Amazing Brain Science Talks. He shares his expertise on the pivotal connection between brain health, well-being and societal impact. Watch now to discover the essential steps to nurture optimal cerebral, mental and social well-being.

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Cindy Barha, Amazing Brain
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Discover the secrets to a healthy aging brain and dementia prevention with the Amazing Brain Science Talks! Curious about how exercise can be a game-changing habit in preventing dementia and promoting healthy aging? Watch now to hear Dr. Cindy Barha from the University of Calgary as she shares her research on the impact of exercise tailored to biological sex and genetics. Whether you’re a caregiver for someone with dementia or simply invested in proactive brain health, discover the transformative effects of exercise on preventing dementia and fostering a healthy aging brain!

Emma Duerden, Amazing Brains
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Learn to better support neurodiverse children with the Amazing Brain Science Talks! Studies show that 85% of children with autism experience anxiety, but the connection between the two conditions is still unclear. Discover how researchers like Dr. Emma Duerden from Western University have been studying the brain’s mysteries to increase understanding around anxiety and autism and to provide better care for neurodiverse children and their families.

Matthew Galati, Amazing Brain
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Learn about brain injury recovery and empowerment with the Amazing Brain Science Talks! Are you seeking to learn more about traumatic brain injuries and the brain’s ability to recover? Watch now to learn more about Dr. Matthew Galati’s journey as a traumatic brain injury survivor turned advocate and researcher. As the founder of the Brain Changes Initiative, Dr. Galati shares his FIVE essential lifestyle pillars for brain health for all, from survivors and caregivers to fitness enthusiasts.

Tina Monteuil, Amazing Brain
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Dive into the effects of stress with the Amazing Brain Science Talks! Did you know that stress plays a crucial role in our cognitive function and overall wellbeing? Watch how McGill University’s Dr. Tina Montreuil challenges the misconception that eliminating stress should be our ultimate goal while providing valuable insights on how to manage and embrace stress. Learn more about the innerworkings of the brain and discover how you can take actionable steps to enhance your well-being and foster a positive mindset!

Q&A1 Amazing Brain
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Hosted at McGill University, the Amazing Brain Science Talks featured short talks by Canadian brain health experts and speakers with lived experiences. Watch the Q&As with Emma Duerden, Matthew Galati, Tina Montreuil and Cindy Barha now to learn about the aging brain, anxiety and stress, TBI recovery and the power of exercise. See how moderator Vladimir Hachinski weighs in on brain health as well.

Blake Richards, Amazing Brain
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Explore the connection between imagination, AI and the brain with the Amazing Brain Science Talks! Are you curious about the connection between artificial intelligence and the human brain’s ability to imagine? Watch now to learn about cutting-edge research that combines human cognition and technology. McGill University’s Dr. Blake Richards explores the universal principles of intelligence, bridging the gap between the human brain and AI. Discover the parallels between our brain’s ability to imagine and plan, and the fascinating training process of AI models through prediction.

Kate Zarbatany, Amazing Brain
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Living with autism: Insight from a teen’s journey at the Amazing Brain Science Talks Are you looking to gain a deeper understanding of the world through the lens of neurodiversity? Watch Kate Zarbatany’s inspiring talk to learn about her experience and unique perspective on living with autism. Diagnosed with autism at the age of 13, Kate is an advocate for embracing neurodiversity and urges everyone to celebrate differences in brain function.

Adrien Peyrache, Amazing Brain
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Unlock the potential of sleep with the Amazing Brain Science Talks! Have you ever wondered why some memories stick while others fade away? Watch now to learn how sleep shapes and solidifies our memories. McGill University’s Dr. Adrien Peyrache unravels the science behind how memories are formed during sleep. Discover how your brain selects relevant information and strengthens it overnight!

Q&A2 Amazing Brain
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Hosted at McGill University, the Amazing Brain Science Talks featured short talks by Canadian brain health experts and speakers with lived experiences. Watch the Q&As with Adrien Peyrache, Kate Zarbatany and Blake Richards now to learn about sleep, dreams, the imagination and neurodiversity. Moderated by Alan Evans.

About Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives

Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives (HBHL) is an interdisciplinary program, built on McGill’s global leadership in interdisciplinary neuroscience, that uses big data analysis to reveal the fundamental mechanisms underlying normal brain function and brain disorders. HBHL aims to accelerate translational discoveries and create a global centre of excellence in neuroinformatics at McGill to improve brain health in Canada and around the world.

HBHL is made possible through support from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), Quebec’s Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation (MEI), and the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQSFRQSC and FRQNT).