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March 3, 2008 Contact: Kim Maguschak, Gov. Sonny Perdue designates March "Brain Awareness Month"
ATLANTA - Recognizing the need for an improved understanding of brain-related conditions that affect the lives of many Georgians and the efforts of researchers seeking solutions, Gov. Sonny Perdue has proclaimed March "Brain Awareness Month" in Georgia. "The brain is small enough to hold in your hands, yet controls every aspect of our thoughts, perception and behavior. Even a small malfunction can have a huge impact on the lives of individuals and those around them," said Kim Maguschak of Emory University. "It is important to inform the public about the brain and let them know what is being done to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders of the brain." Scientists in laboratories across Georgia are working at the forefront of many promising efforts to unlock the complexities of the brain, to alleviate pain and suffering associated with brain disorders and reduce the cost of treating neurobiological diseases. Many also donate their time to educating the community about the importance of the brain. Perdue met with a handful of those scientists from Georgia State and Emory universities last week in signing the proclamation. "We are reaching a new era of discovery based on rapid progress being made in the study of the brain," Perdue said. "Diseases and conditions of the brain and nervous system, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, Autism, stroke, and alcohol and drug addiction are very real problems to the citizens of our state. Those in this state afflicted with diseases or disorders of this nature are helped by the tremendous scientific breakthroughs in biomedical and neuroscience research, coupled with the dedication of our healthcare workers." The importance of the proclamation is crucial to continued research and awareness, according to Elliott Albers, Regents' Professor of Psychology and Biology at Georgia State and director of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, which fosters partnership among neuroscience researchers at institutions across the state. "The Governor's official recognition of the importance of education about the brain and behavior during Georgia's Brain Awareness Month provides further support for the hard work of Georgia's neuroscience researchers and educators,"Albers said. "The location of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience right here in Georgia and the fact that the life sciences industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the state will also serve to promote education of residents for years to come." Scientists from the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and the Atlanta Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience have partnered to create several opportunities for the community to take part in celebrating the brain. Brain Awareness Month events sponsored by the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and the Atlanta Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience include:
For more information on Brain Awareness Month in Georgia, how to participate in each event, valuable links, volunteer information, and resources for classroom and family activities, log on to: http://www.cbn-atl.org/education/brainmonth.shtml or http://www.atlantabrains.org Center for Behavioral Neuroscience is a consortium of seven metro Atlanta colleges and universities including: Georgia State University, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College. More than 100 neuroscientists are engaged in the research program with the goal of understanding the basic neurobiology of social behaviors. The CBN also directs a comprehensive education program designed to educate the next generation of scientists. Atlanta Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience promotes research and public understanding of the brain and nervous system by recognizing promising students and sponsoring lectures and events such as Brain Awareness Month.
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