BRAINFest!

I recently stumbled across a blog post about neuromyths and the responsibility that neuroscientists have to communicate neuroscience research to the public. This weekend I'll be doing my part by taking part in BRAINFest! at the Ontario Science Center in which the public will be able to interact with a number of displays, experiments and demonstrations and speak with researchers, clinicians and practitioners about the brain.

A list of activities include:

• Cracked: New Light on Dementia(Sunday only)
  See a research-based drama that challenges the way dementia is presented and discussed.
• My Virtual Dream
  Come watch this cutting edge production. Lucky volunteers will get to use their brain waves through wireless headsets to co-create a spectacular panorama of dynamic colours, sights and sounds.
• Roboticize Me
  Attend the world premiere of the CBC Doc Zone documentary film about robots. Evening event - Tickets required.
• Hot Science
  Listen to researchers and patient advocates talk about hot topics relating to brain research and brain health.
• Brain Injury and Concussion
  Parachute Canada presents brain injury related activities and simulations including Jello Brain to show brain fragility.
• Addiction and Schizophrenia CAMH presents a schizophrenia virtual reality experience – special navigation and motivation through a virtual city. 
• iPod Project Learn about the Alzheimer's Society Toronto's iPod project where they provide seniors with an iPod and a playlist of music to decrease stress levels and improve quality of life.
• Brain Disorder Augmented Reality Explore information about brain disorders in displays incorporating AR.
• Ontario Brain Institute Entrepreneur Demos Demos include: Avertus - EEG Headband; Sense Intelligent - Seeing Sound App; Sound Options -  Tinnitus Device; POND - Anxiety Meter for Autism.
• Augmented Communication Devices Interact with Holland Bloorview's PRISM Lab Technologies using reliable body function to build communication mechanisms.
• Brain Research and Big Data Find out the latest from the Ontario Brain Institute's Brain-CODE Team - Big Data and Research panels as well as a pixel brain drawing activity.

I'll be there with Let's Talk Science from the University of Toronto to engage school-aged kids on different neuroscience experiments. I'll write about my experience of the event afterwards.