March 16, 1999

MEDIA ADVISORY

EVENT: Two UCSD neuroscientists will help make recent advances in brain research come alive for more than 100 science students at Pacific Beach Middle School over the next two weeks. The interactive classroom visits are part of UCSD's BrainWorks: Plug Into It! outreach events planned this month at selected area schools in observance of national Brain Awareness Week.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, March 18, 1999, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. -- Varda Levram-Ellisman, Ph.D., project scientist in pharmacology at UCSD and an expert in the study of the cerebellum, will engage students in a series of fun activities to illustrate recent advances in how brain cells talk to each other and the crucial role the brain plays in sensory perception.   Thursday, March 25, 1999, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. -- Theodore Bullock, Ph.D., professor emeritus in neurosciences and a nationally recognized expert on the activity of neurons, will demonstrate how electric fish have given scientists new insights into the electrical activity of the brain/nervous system.

LOCATION:   Pacific Beach Middle School, 4676 Ingraham St., San Diego.  Dr. Levram-Ellisman's talk will be held in Mr. Robert Mihalik's science class in Room 504. Dr. Bullock's talk will be in Mr. Peter Fessier's class in Room 214. Upon arriving at the school, please go to the main office and you will be directed.

BACKGROUND:   The fourth annual Brain Awareness Week -- sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience, and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives -- will be officially observed in the U.S. and Canada March 15-21.  The week will see neuroscientists host free events to educate school children and the public on brain research advances. UCSD's Health Sciences Comunications has a partnership with Pacific Beach Middle School and this event is an example of that relationship.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:  Take photos of students during hands-on interactive activities with UCSD scientists.  Visuals include human brain models, relay race to demonstrate the brain's synaptic activity, and demonstrations involving electric fish (such as the African elephant nose fish) that internally generate and receive electrical impulses, aiding them in navigation and social communication.

MEDIA CONTACT:   Michael Dabney, University Communications (619) 822-0761 or mdabney@ucsd.edu