Neuroscience 2011 conference to held in Washington

Economist Robert Shiller to deliver special address on how behavior affects economics

New research findings about the brain, nervous system, and related disorders will be presented at Neuroscience 2011 in Washington, Nov. 12-16. Among the many findings are how the brain adapts during development, learning, and decision-making; how genes and the environment work in tandem to influence behavior and disease; and how novel science is changing the understanding of pain, mental illness, and aging.

"Science has revolutionized our understanding of the brain, and how it relates to disease and disorders. Much of what we know today can be traced back to the relentless pursuit of basic neuroscience," said Society for Neuroscience (SfN) President Susan Amara, PhD. "Neuroscience 2011 is a unique opportunity to explore spectacular science and learn about the many recent advances in our field."

Neuroscience 2011 is the annual meeting of the SfN and the world's largest source of emerging news about brain science and health. More than 31,000 neuroscientists from around the world are anticipated to gather for this year's event. Neuroscience 2011 hosts a working press room and provides complimentary registration to reporters covering the event. Offsite credentialed reporters may access press conferences live via Webcast.

Economist Robert J. Shiller, PhD, best-selling author of Animal Spirits: How Human Behavior Drives the Economy, will speak about the connections between human behavior and the economy during the annual "Dialogues between Neuroscience and Society" event. Shiller will be joined by prominent scientists in a broad discussion on behavior, decision-making, and the economic landscape.

Press events will be held Nov. 13 and streamed live to credentialed media. Topics include:

Nature & Nurture: Changing Notions of Heredity - New findings confirm that genes and environment influence our biological makeup. Research examines this interaction to better understand predisposition to various disorders, and promising new therapies.

The Aging Brain - The human brain changes throughout life, continuing to develop and even growing new brain cells. How might the differences in the aging brain offer unique protection or disadvantages?

Pain Relief - For some, finding relief from pain is a daily struggle. Research provides insight into the causes of pain and novel remedies, including behavior drug targets and gene therapies.

Human Memory - Researchers are investigating the behavioral and anatomical bases of memories in unique populations. Pinpointing how the brain forms and retrieves memories may provide treatments for memory loss and learning disabilities.

Risk and Uncertainty: The Science of Decision-Making - A look at the intricacy behind informed decision-making. New research highlights the mechanisms for how the brain makes thousands of decisions every day.

Additional press conference topics are:

• Brain, Repair Thyself
• Stressing Out the Brain
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Roots of Mental Illness

Other meeting events highlight the interplay between brain research and global culture, politics, and society:

• Public Symposium - "The Brain on Trial: Neuroscience and the Law" will address how advances in neuroscience are posing new questions and challenges to the judicial system.
• Social Issues Roundtable - "The Promise and Peril of Research on Sex Differences" will examine how male and female brains diverge, and how these differences may impact education, the workplace, relationships, and health care.
• The Public Advocacy Forum - "The Obesity Epidemic" will address how innovative neuroscience research on food intake, appetite, and the brain can inform policies to improve health and child development, lower health costs, and save lives.