It is axiomatic to neuroscience that the brain’s information processing abilities result from the flow of information through networks of neurons interconnected by signaling junctions called synapses.  Attempts to understand brain function have always been constrained, however, by the fact that these so-called “neural circuits” involve astronomically vast numbers of incredibly tiny elements packed in three dimensions at very high densities.  These features of neural circuits have made the prospects for abstracting “wiring diagrams” seem very dim indeed, in spite of the obvious analytical benefits that such diagrams would confer. 

Recent advances in molecular genetics and computer science are now opening up new avenues, however, and it may be time to reevaluate old conclusions about how completely brain circuitry can be known.  Professor Smith will describe some of these new approaches to “reverse-engineering” neural circuitry and present some of the beautiful images that have been among the first fruits of these efforts.

Smith is Professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine.  He earned a PhD in Physiology and Psychology at the University of Washington in 1977, was a Miller Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, 1977-1980, and then joined the Faculty of the Department of Physiology at the Yale University School of Medicine in 1980.  Smith moved to Stanford in 1989.  Smith’s research has focused on cellular signaling and structural dynamics in brain development and function.  He has pioneered many optical measurement and imaging techniques and their applications to brain exploration.

Café Scientifique events are open to all free of charge.  No reservations are necessary.

Sponsored by ROXRO PHARMA and SRI, Café Scientifique is a place where anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology and debate science issues outside a traditional academic context.  We meet monthly to discuss a variety of science topics.  Feel free to forward this message to anyone you think could be interested. 

Join us at SRI in Menlo Park
We are delighted that SRI International is the host location for Cafe Scientifique. SRI is an excellent partner, providing us with a beautiful, large, flexible meeting space, supporting us with highly professional staff and making expert researchers available as guest speakers.

Coffee, tea and biscotti will be complimentary, provided by SRI
Bring your own mug if you wish to avoid using disposable cups

Courtesy of Kepler's there will be a drawing for a $30 gift card for books or merchandise at Kepler's on El Camino Real in Menlo Park. Those who choose to enter the drawing will have their names added to the Kepler's mailing list. Special thanks to Kepler's for supporting Cafe Sci.

Café Scientifique is a place where anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. The Café provides a forum for debating science issues outside a traditional academic context. We are committed to promoting public engagement with science and to making science accountable - all spoken in plain English. There is no admission charge to attend our events. Building on its great success outside the United States, Café Scientifique Silicon Valley is the first such Café on the West Coast.  We meet monthly to discuss a variety of science topics.