Welcome to the tremendous, amazing, Big Asheville Science Salon!
Our mission: Cultivate curiosity and build community by sharing the coolest, grooviest, and fascinating-ist scientific discoveries. And have a beer (or wine or soda).
How it do: Each month, a bona fide expert takes us on a thrill ride of science awesomeness (i.e., talk about their research and probably show pretty pictures). Afterwards, a lively Q&A segues into general mingling and chatting about why science is so cool.
When: First Wednesday of each month.
Doors: 6:00pm; Presentation: 7:00pm; Socializing: 8:00pm
Where: The Mule (at Devil’s Foot Beverage) 131 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
No cover charge – just bring your brain!
May: Your Brain on Mindfulness with neuroscientist Dr. Patrick Foo.
Note: this salon will include very little meditating (but will be highly enlightening).
Gently close your eyes and take a deep, cleansing inhalation. Bring your awareness to your breath. Feel relaxation, presence, and mindfulness expand through you.
Important: if you are driving, don’t do any of that. And put your phone down.
According to Vedic texts, folks began practicing meditation in India about 5,000 years ago. It took a while for the West to catch on but, ever since the Beatles made it cool, various meditative practices – transcendental meditation, introspective reflection, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), or good ol’ fashioned Vipassana – have grown increasingly popular. The reported benefits to the “mind” are many, ranging from reduced anxiety and enhanced focus to improved self-awareness and emotional well-being. But what about the physical brain – can contemplative practices actually modify the structure and/or functioning of our central nervous systems?
At the May salon, neuroscientist Dr. Patrick Foo will pull back the proverbial curtain (and literal meninges) to examine the squishy, wrinkly wonder that is the human brain. Along with some foundational brain anatomy, Dr. Foo will share empirical research exploring how practices that target our minds can affect our brains. A Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNCA, Pat admits to being a pretty mediocre meditator. His scholarly distinctions, however, are considerable, with an impressive list of teaching awards, publications, and research on everything from synaptic plasticity and cognitive mapping to applying neuroscience advances to reduce age-related falls.
Doors open at 5:00. Have a drink with old friends, meet new ones, and get ready for some serious science in a seriously un-serious setting.
Presentation starts at 7:00 PM. Stick around after for a lively Q&A, discussion, and general mingling.