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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250417T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250417T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T111352
CREATED:20241212T202858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T181421Z
UID:105436-1744912800-1744921800@naturalsciences.org
SUMMARY:Science Café: Brain Night
DESCRIPTION:Join scientists from NC State University for Brain Night at the Museum! From flies to humans and every animal in between\, brains make behavior happen. Come explore the brain/behavior connection at a special Science Cafe event on April 17\, 2025. \nJoin us in person at the Daily Planet Cafe or watch online on YouTube!\nEvent Schedule\n6:00pm: Meet local neuroscientists and interact with hands-on brain- and behavior-themed exhibits suitable for all ages. Short\, accessible talks by neuroscientists in the Daily Planet Theater will celebrate the brain and tell you what local neuroscientists are discovering. \n7:00pm: Neuroscientist Dr. Natalia Duque-Wilckens will lead an exciting presentation in the Daily Planet Cafe\, followed by questions from the audience. \nThe Immune System’s Hidden Influence: How Mast Cells Shape the Brain and Behavior\n \nDid you know that your immune system plays a crucial role in how you think\, feel\, and behave? While immune cells are often associated with fighting infections\, they also help regulate brain function. Among them\, mast cells—best known for their role in allergies—are emerging as key players in shaping anxiety\, social behavior\, and even cognitive function. \nIn this talk\, we’ll explore how Dr. Duque-Wilckens’ lab is uncovering the role of mast cells in shaping the brain and influencing behavior. Dr. Duque-Wilckens studies what happens when bringing mast cells back into mice that lack them and investigating how early-life exposure to environmental contaminants might reprogram these cells\, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental and mood disorders. By understanding this overlooked immune-brain connection\, we may unlock new insights into mental health and disease. \nAbout our speaker\nDr. Natalia Duque-Wilckens\, DVM PhD\, is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University. The main objective of Dr. Natalia Duque-Wilckens’ research is to identify novel neuro-immune mechanisms that underlie emotional regulation. These findings may help to create new therapeutic tools for the prevention and/or treatment of depression and anxiety\, the two most prevalent mood disorders affecting society today. \n\nGrab a bite from the Daily Planet Cafe and join host Chris Smith and special guests for our monthly Science Cafe. On the third Thursday of every month at 7pm\, gather with other curious minds at this after-hours event for an informal presentation and conversation about current science topics with guest experts. The Daily Planet Cafe is open 5–8pm with a full menu during the Science Cafe.
URL:https://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/science-cafe-2025-04-17/
LOCATION:Downtown Raleigh\, 11 West Jones Street\, Raleigh\, NC\, 27601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Adults,Discussions,General Events,Lectures,Science Cafes,SECU Daily Planet Theater
ORGANIZER;CN="Chris%20Smith":MAILTO:christopher.smith@naturalsciences.org
GEO:35.7822735;-78.6395502
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Downtown Raleigh 11 West Jones Street Raleigh NC 27601 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=11 West Jones Street:geo:-78.6395502,35.7822735
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