Portland, Ore.

Web site includes list of Brain Awareness events, including a visit from NPR's "Science Friday," Brain Fair, lectures

Oregon Health & Science University has unveiled its new Web site www.oregonbrains.org kicking off Brain Awareness Season 2003 (February through March). The site features a comprehensive list of events for the entire family. This year's roster includes a Portland visit by the National Public Radio program "Science Friday," a Brain Fair at the Oregon Museum of Science Industry (OMSI) and a series of lectures on various brain topics. The theme of this year's events is "Your Health is a State of Mind: The Brain/Body Connection."

OakTree, a Portland-based Web technology and design firm, crafted the site with an emphasis on making it easy for the public to find information. The site also includes fun brain facts, neuroscience research news, links to brain resources and tips about how to keep the brain healthy at all stages of life.

"Anyone interested in finding out about our very popular public lecture series should definitely point their Web browser to oregonbrains.org," said Bobby Heagerty, coordinator of Brain Awareness Season and community affairs and education coordinator for the OHSU Neurological Sciences Institute. "At the site, you'll learn who's speaking and how to reserve a seat."

The first lecture in the series takes place on Feb. 5 as Stanford University's Robert Sapolsky, Ph.D., explains what the wild kingdom can teach us about our healthy brains. Another highlight of Brain Awareness Season is the highly anticipated broadcast of NPR's "Science Friday" from OMSI on March 7. In addition to his broadcast, Ira Flatow, the host of the program, will give a public lecture during his visit and appear at the Brain Fair (March 8-9). Other highlights of the Brain Fair include: hands-on exhibits and activities that allow visitors to view real brains; prizes; an Albert Einstein look-alike contest; brain art; and OHSU scientists and health care providers. OHSU's annual Brain Awareness Season focuses on bringing neuroscience to the Portland metropolitan area and culminates with the national celebration of Brain Awareness Week in March. Sponsors of Brain Awareness Season include OHSU, OMSI and Pfizer.