The brain – the control center of the human being
Our brain is a fascinating organ. Hidden inside our head, it controls our body functions and movements, and it enables us to think and feel. But how does our brain work, and how does it differ from the brains of animals? This week, Pop-Up Science is all about the grey matter in our head!
Activities for this week
- Experiment “Stories for the memory“
- Interview with neuro scientist Karola Käfer
- Game “Keep the mouse’s eyes in good condition!“
- Experiment “The most beautiful brain cell“
- Worksheet “What does our brain look like, and how does it work?“
Stories for the memory
In our everyday life, we have to memorize many different things: words, numbers, grocery lists. Or maybe we simply want to win at “I packed my bag”. Tudor and Stefan will show you how you can support your memory. We’ll let you in on that much: It’s all about storytelling!
Watch the corresponding video on YouTube
Neuro scientist Karola Käfer
Today, you had the opportunity to ask Karola Käfer all you ever wanted to know about the brain. You have sent us many questions, and here are now all the answers from computer expert Karola. She is a researcher in the Csicsvari group at IST Austria, where she studies how brains learn.
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Keep the mouse’s eyes in good condition!
In today’s game “Microglia: The Eye Repair Team,” you will discover the microscopic world of cells. You will take over the repair work of the mouse eye’s immune cells. A lot of cells in the eyes work in close collaboration with the brain. Find the game here: www.ist.ac.at/game
You are in the retina of the mouse and in charge of directing microglia cells (white cells). From time to time, small sites of inflammation appear on some nerve cells, represented by red pulses. If these sites of inflammation are not treated, the mouse can no longer see well. Thus, if you spot a site of inflammation, quickly click on a microglia cell nearby and, with another click, send it to its place of action. Once there, you can activate the repair mode of the microglia cells by double-clicking on the cell. Don’t forget to switch off the repair mode again to avoid that the repair team damages healthy cells! How long can you keep the retina in good condition?
Are you up to this task?
The most beautiful brain cell
Today we go on a journey deep into the brain. Using the MADM Brain Explorer, you’ll go on an expedition to find your favorite brain cell. IST Austria brain researcher Robert Beattie from the Hippenmeyer group, who developed the MADM Brain Explorer together with Florian Pauler, will show you how. Check out the video and share your findings with us!
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What does our brain look like, and how does it work?
Do you know what it looks like inside of your head? How your brain works? Today we want to show you how your brain is structured and how it can store information. Welcome to the Pop-Up Science brain week!
