Paul W. Glimcher, Ph. D. - "The Neurobiology of Decision-Making"

NOBEL CONFERENCE 47, THE BRAIN AND BEING HUMAN, Gustavus Adolphus College

After researching the brain stem and nuclei controlling eye rotations when he was at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1990's, Dr. Glimcher is currently the Julius Silver Professor of Neural Science, Economics and Psychology, and Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics at New York University. He is the author of Decisions, Uncertainty and the Brain, (MIT Press, 2003).

As someone who is quite ignorant of the field of neuroscience, I found Dr. Glimcher's combination of neural science, economics and psychology to be interesting as they work together for an interdisciplinary approach in decison-making. His presentation made me think of many decisions that are made daily (Why would someone vote for Michele Bachmann?).

Dr. Glimcher gave us some background for his field by talking about the the neurobiology of decisionmaking that has been transformed since 1994, the last time that the Nobel Conference focused on the brain. He began by talking about Rene Descartes who lived from 1596 to 1650, and found a need to study something about how decisions are made. Dr. Glimcher also talked about Paul Samuelson, the Father of Modern Economics, who lived form 1915-2009. He gave us the Theory of Genes and Economic Behavior. In understanding the choices that are made, related patterns are studied. The amount that genetic relationships play is not yet known. A lot of the studies have been done with monkeys such as "Monkey Pay For View." Self-control is a problem for decision making. Dr. Glimcher displayed a good sense of humor as he discussed the results of his current research. There seems to be more research done with monkeys than with adolescent humans. I was reminded of my high school biology that we do not reach our full development until we are in our mid twenties. An interesting part of the research was that the maximum number of choices (ice cream flavors, perfume fragrances) is between three and ten. My companion said that probably explained the reason that she does not like to shop at the Mall of America - Too Many Choices!

John Donoghue, Ph. D. - "Merging Mind to Machines: Brain Computer Interfaces to Restore Lost Function."

NOBEL CONFERENCE, 47 - THE BRAIN AND BEING HUMAN - Gustavus Adolphus College

Dr. John Donoghue is the Henry Merritt Wriston Professor at the Department of Neuroscience and Director of the Institute for Brain Science at Brown University in Providence, R. I.

After watching his 2009 60 Minutes segment from the Nobel Conference website,I learned a little about his research on brain-computer interfaces and the Brain Gate project.

Dr. Donoghue began his ten AM lecture by talking about the Age of Neurotechnology, and gave Minnesota credit for the pacemaker and Medtronics. He spoke about cochlear implants for the deaf using hairs to transfer messages to the brain, restoring sight to blind people through deep brain stimulation, a project also having Minnesota roots. His interactive visuals mainly focused on the BrainGate project which gives a gate from the brain to the outside world for people who have lost movement in their limbs. Donoghue stressed that BrainGate is not magic, but combines science, engineering and medicine. It merges mind to machine. Part of the brain is given a task to control muscles that are laid out in a pattern. The clinical trials began in 2004 with five patients. In his presentation at Gustavus, Donoghue focused on two of the patients. Wireless sensors were used to put technology on a person. The goal was to restore functions that were lost. Although some of the early work may now seem "primitive", it will be interesting to follow the progress as the technology in neuroscience advances. Dr. Donoghue encouraged us to write to our Congressmen to continue to fund neuroscience.

Nobel Conference 47 - The Brain and Being Human

On 5 October, 2011, I enjoyed attending Day Two of the 47th Annual Nobel Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota after not attending for several years. This year I was very interested in the topic of THE BRAIN AND BEING HUMAN. When I attended other years, I went on the first day, and also attended the Tuesday evening concert at Christ Chapel.

Constitution of the United States

Celebrating Constitution Day at Minnesota West this week!

Minnesota State Fair

Enjoyed the annual "Great Minnesota Get Together" again this year.

One Year Ago!

Remembering July of 2010.

The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library: How It Works