Last Monday, I had the pleasure of attending another lecture in “The Brain and its Mysteries” series, presented by Ethan Newnham, a talented neuroscience student at U3A Box Hill. This session focused on “Brain Myths” and, as expected, it was an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable experience that provided authoritative answers to some of the most common misconceptions about the brain. Ethan’s approach to debunking or confirming these brain myths was particularly innovative, as he styled the session after the popular show “Mythbusters,” which resonated with many in the audience, including myself. This creative angle not only made the content more […]

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The lecture on Mondey, 26.8.2024 by the talented neuroscience student Ethan Newnham at U3A Box Hill was a captivating exploration into the complexities of brain science, particularly focusing on dopamine, drug addiction, and how our brains respond to rewards. The session, titled “Rewarding Experiments”, was not only informative but also engaging, as Ethan skillfully balanced the scientific content with relatable examples and a touch of humor. Ethan started by discussing the fundamental difference between wants and needs, emphasizing how evolution has shaped our brains to prioritize survival. He explained how dopamine, often called the ‘feel-good’ chemical, plays a crucial role […]

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The lecture titled “The Experiment that Changed My Mind,” delivered by the talented and engaging neuroscience student Ethan Newnham at U3A Box Hill, was an enlightening experience that provided deep insights into the complex and mysterious workings of the human brain. Ethan’s ability to present scientific concepts in an accessible and relatable way made the talk both captivating and educational. Ethan began by introducing the intriguing subject of his own participation in a psilocybin trial, where he underwent a supervised psychedelic experience. He immediately drew the audience in with the bold assertion that every neuroscientist is likely to explore meditation […]

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Ethan Newnham’s well attended lecture this week was about “Mapping The Mind”. Always a highlight of the week, this installment of the series “The Brain and its Mysteries,” was again an engaging and insightful exploration of the brain’s complexities, presented with a mix of historical context, cutting-edge research, and a touch of humor. As someone in the audience, I found Ethan’s presentation both illuminating and accessible, showcasing his deep knowledge of neuroscience and his ability to communicate intricate concepts clearly. Ethan began by inviting us to appreciate the beauty of the brain through images from the Florey Institute’s Neuropix People’s […]

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