Prix VIVA/Science Pop

Dominique (Nikki) Lumley  

Unraveling the Mysteries of Perineuronal Nets

In this presentation, I will introduce the audience to a little-known structure with big implications for the future of neuroscience research: the perineuronal net. As the name suggests, perineuronal nets (or PNNs, for short) are intricate, net-like structures which form around certain neurons in the brain. Despite their lack of attention, these nets play an essential role in keeping our brains healthy, preserving our memories, and allowing us to learn. Join me as I unravel the mysteries of the perineuronal net: what it is, how it works, and why it matters to you.

Jessica Ahrens 

Neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging

I will briefly explain how this imaging technique works and its clinical utility, with a focus on psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and substance use disorders.

The Age of AI: Foundation Models

We live in an era where AI is everywhere, but it’s crucial to see it as a tool that helps researchers in various fields. One of these tools, foundation models, has emerged as a game-changer, connecting technology to different areas of science. This presentation explores the structure, capabilities, and potential of these models for the future of research. From improving mental health studies to uncovering behavioral patterns, foundation models provide strong tools for researchers, helping to correct misinformation and reveal practical applications. Join me to see how foundation models can transform your research and scientific experiments in the future.

Gabriella Malamud

Now You Know Your THCs: Understanding the Basics of Cannabis Withdrawal

Not surprisingly, the legalization of non-medical cannabis use in Canada in 2018 led to a population-wide increase in cannabis use in Canada. Cannabis is difficult to quit and many people who try to quit cannabis are unsuccessful because of the emergence of withdrawal symptoms. Yet, a large proportion of the Canadian population are unaware the cannabis withdrawal symptoms exist, underscoring the importance of educating the public on cannabis withdrawal.

Reine Khoury 

Why Did Socrates Have a Six-Pack?

Why Did Socrates and Other Great Philosophers Have a Six-Pack? How did they manage to balance physical fitness with their intellectual pursuits? Socrates often discussed philosophy at the gym, showcasing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. The Ancient Greeks believed true well-being required nurturing both mind and body.

Kayleigh Casmey  

Right-brained? Left-brained?

Are you left-brained or right-brained? The pervasive myth of left-brain (logical) and right-brain (creative) has taken a very complex and fascinating phenomenon and reduced it to science fiction. I would like to take this opportunity to re-explain the story of brain asymmetry and get people excited about it in a new way that’s backed by evidence.

Jana Totzek 

The I in Schizophrenia: Leveraging technology for a personalized approach toward mental illness

People with schizophrenia come in all shapes and sizes. They can have very different symptoms, and those symptoms can impact their lives in many ways, yet all are diagnosed under the umbrella of  “schizophrenia”. One way of understanding this umbrella better could be to look closer at the brain. The brain looks and works very differently in people with schizophrenia compared to those without, but could these differences in the brain ultimately lead to such a variety of symptoms? Clinical neuroscience research has struggled with this question for years, but looking at the brain alone is not enough to understand how symptoms develop for every patient over time. A new technology called machine-learning makes it possible to look at this development more closely. This technology groups together patients if their brains look and work similarly and if they have the same symptoms, and then gives us an idea of how these symptoms develop over time. Could machine-learning help us look at schizophrenia in a new way?

Danae Penichet

Infections during pregnancy: ailments that last a lifetime?

Between morning sickness, back pains, and swollen feet, the last thing a pregnant woman wants is to get sick. Yet, this goes beyond self-discomfort, as infections during pregnancy can affect proper brain development for the baby and increase his or her risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Such disorders include schizophrenia, a psychiatric disorder that requires life-long treatment. While infections during pregnancy contribute to around 30% of cases of schizophrenia, they don’t directly cause the disorder, they need to be coupled with other factors throughout youth that affect brain health. But what if those factors could be as simple as… the light we are exposed to? Our rodent models show that chronic circadian disruption by aberrant light schedules might be affecting children more than we think, but this also opens an avenue for prevention when, as is often the case, getting sick becomes an unplanned part of pregnancy.

Léa Perret

Tackling a leading cause of death

The presentation will focus on 1) presenting our study from Denmark to raise awareness on comorbid mental and physical health disorders, which affect 1 in 4 people from the general population, and 1 in 2 patients in clinical samples, 2) showing that comorbid mental and physical disorders are associated with premature death, including death by suicide; 3) highlighting the issue of a communication gap between mental and physical health providers, 4) providing solutions to provide more holistic health care to youth by, 5) forming two advisory committees, of experts (researchers, and health care professionals) and youth with lived experience and their families in Denmark. The collaboration with these two committees helps us understand the common path to care of youth with comorbid physical and mental health disorders, identify gaps in the system, and solutions for more holistic care for youth.

Sujata Sinha

Tech-Hack Your Brain with SuperMind Club

Global mental health is a pressing challenge, yet individuals have various self-care solutions at their disposal. Meditation and relaxation can help manage hectic schedules, but traditional methods are often seen as tedious and luxurious. Time and cost concerns frequently deter engagement. What if we could monitor the effects of these practices on brain signals daily?