“Meeting of the Minds” Presents Latest Advances in Neurosciences
Stony Brook Neurosciences Experts Explore Research Advances, Emerging Treatments
STONY BROOK, N.Y., October 21, 2011 – Stony Brook University Medical Center’s 2nd Annual “Meeting of the Minds” 
Symposium brings together leaders in the field of neurosciences to present the latest research advances and clinical care in focusing on five topics: Epilepsy and Sleep Disorders, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neuroimaging, Neurosensory Disorders, and Psychiatric Disorders. Presented by the Institute for Advanced Neurosciences, the event will be held at the Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook University (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) on November 4.
“Meeting of the Minds” is an open event but geared for physicians, researchers, students and other healthcare professionals with a special interest in the neurosciences. Through Stony Brook University School of Medicine, the symposium is also a continuing medical education (CME) event. Physicians and Nurse Practitioners may earn CME credits by participating.
The day’s itinerary includes 10 interactive presentations from School of Medicine faculty following the keynote address to be delivered by Carla J. Shatz. Ph.D., a Professor of Biology and Neurobiology at Stanford University, and Director of BioX, a Stanford University program which focuses on interdisciplinary research to advance bioscience discoveries. By studying the visual system of mammals, Dr. Shatz and colleagues discovered that adult wiring emerges from dynamic interactions between neurons involving neural function and synaptic plasticity. This research has relevance not only for understanding brain wiring and developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, but also for understanding how the nervous and immune systems interact. Her presentation is titled “Releasing the Brake on Synaptic Plasticity.”
Presentations by Stony Brook faculty include the following, categorized by each area of focus:
Epilepsy and Sleep Disorders: “The Medical Journey to Seizure Freedom” (Rebecca Spiegel, M.D.); “Non-Image Forming Vision: Light, a Clock and Photo Somnolence” (Lawrence P. Morin, M.D.). Pediatric Neurosurgery: “Chiari Malformation” (Michael Egnor, M.D.); “Metabolomic Consequences of General Anesthesia” (Helene Benveniste, M.D.). Neuroimaging: “Endovascular Treatment of Aneurysms” (David Fiorella, M.D.); “Imaging the Human Brain in Diseases of Addiction” (Joanna S. Fowler, Ph.D.). Neurosensory Disorders: “The Sweet Taste of Anticipation” (Alfredo Fontanini, M.D.); “Vestibular Dysfunction (David Schessel, M.D.). Psychiatric Disorders: “Autism Spectrum Disorders: Clinical Update” (John Pomeroy, M.D.); “Using Studies in Rats to Unravel the Neurobiological Basis for Male Vulnerability in Psychiatric Disease” (Mary F. Kritzer, M.D.).
During lunch there will be a special guest lecturer, Diane B. Re, Ph.D., Associate Research Scientist, Motor Neuron Center for Neurobiology and Disease at Columbia University. Dr. Re will discuss cutting-edge research regarding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by presenting “Astrocytes at the Crossroad of Familial and Sporadic ALS.”
Cost for the symposium is $25 per person. Breakfast and lunch are provided. For more information and to register, see the Meeting of the Minds program web page.
About Institute for Advanced Neurosciences
The Institute for Advanced Neurosciences at Stony Brook University Medical Center is a multidisciplinary research and clinical program that offers patient access to the highest quality care for the most complex neurological disorders and expands clinical knowledge in the field of neurosciences through bench-to-bedside research. Disease-specific patient care is provided through centers that combine the expertise of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, orththopedic surgeons, and behavioral scientists. Stony Brook is the regional leader in diagnosing and treating a full range of neurological disorders, including stroke, aneurysms, spine problems, ALS, traumatic injuries, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, autism and tumors. The Institute’s capabilities include advanced diagnostic and therapeutic imaging equipment, highly trained clinical specialists, and a robust research enterprise.
