How Time Flies: Lessons Learned From 34 Years Studying Drugs, Brain & Behavior
Robinson, Terry - University of Michigan
2012-01-25 4:08 PM
Ann Arbor, MI - University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School Building 4th Floor Amphitheater
Duration: 01:08:00

The use of addictive drugs can produce long-lasting changes in behavior and psychological function due to alterations in identified neural systems, contributing to addiction and relapse. This lecture will review drug effects on brain and behavior, from the perspective of lessons learned over the course of one research career.

Terry Robinson, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and Professor of Psychology

Introduction by Philip Hanlon, Provost of the University of Michigan

Full Record

Mind, Mathematics, and ‘Machines’: A Tribute to The Intellectual Legacy of Clyde H. Coombs and J. E. Keith Smith
Meyer, David E. - University of Michigan
2012-02-01 4:08 PM
Ann Arbor, MI - University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School Building 4th Floor Amphitheater
Duration: 01:18:00

Eminent scientists have marveled at how accurately mathematics characterizes the physical world, but more amazingly, mathematical and computational models can precisely describe how the human mind works. Illustrating this possibility, David E. Meyer reviews examples from his research on the mental processes of cognition and action, honoring Clyde Coombs and Keith Smith, esteemed former U-M professors of mathematical psychology.

David E. Meyer, Professor of Mathematical and Cognitive Psychology and Professor of Psychology

Introduction by Mary Sue Coleman, President of the University of Michigan

Full Record

The Bottom of the Iceberg: How Well Do/Can We Understand the Underlying Laws of the Physical Universe?
Kane, Gordon - University of Michigan
2012-03-06 4:09 PM
Ann Arbor, MI - University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School Building 4th Floor Amphitheater
Duration: 01:13:00

Recent progress in theoretical physics frameworks, plus existing and forthcoming data, allows us to achieve a testable understanding of our string theory vacuum, and make progress on understanding its relation to ultimate questions about the physical universe. The string theory prediction of the results of recent reports of Higgs boson observation illustrates this progress. Approaching such issues in terms of “effective theories” clarifies them.

Gordon Kane, Victor F. Weisskopf Distinguished University Professor of Physics, director of the Center for Theoretical Physics, and professor of art and of physics

Introduction by Philip Hanlon, Provost of the University of Michigan

Related recording: Professor Kane recently presented String Theory and Our Real World at Saturday Morning Physics

Full Record

On Dreams and Timing
Koren, Yoram - University of Michigan
2012-03-27 4:03 PM
Ann Arbor, MI - University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School Building 4th Floor Amphitheater
Duration: 00:55:08

Yoram Koren is the James J. Duderstadt Distinguished University Professor of Manufacturing and Paul G. Goebel Professor of Mechanical Engineering

This lecture summarizes professor Koren’s scientific contributions during his career from his early work on manufacturing automation through his pioneering research in robotics, to his recent research on reconfigurable manufacturing systems. Koren believes in dreams and timing. Some of his dreams have not yet been accomplished, perhaps because their time is yet to come.

Introduction by Philip Hanlon, Provost of the University of Michigan

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The Human Genome and the Search for Neurological Disease Genes
Meisler, Miriam - University of Michigan
2012-04-04 4:08 PM
Ann Arbor, MI - University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School Building 4th Floor Amphitheater
Duration: 00:59:08

The sequencing of the human genome was a landmark achievement, providing the 'parts list' for understanding human biology and genetic disease. Assigning a function to each of the 20,000 human genes, and identifying their role in genetic disease, is an exciting challenge occupying many research groups. We have used the biological similarities between human and mouse genomes to identify genes responsible for ataxia, epilepsy, and peripheral neuropathies. Identifying disease-causing mutations can provide new information regarding the biological function of the mutated gene, and understanding of pathogenic mechanisms that can lead to novel treatments. The remarkable technological advances of the past decades have provided the tools for rapid progress in this field. The recent introduction of whole genome sequencing has accelerated gene identification for individual patients, and is transforming our understanding of the human genome. These advances are providing exciting new understanding of human biology and unprecedented progress in diagnosis and treatment of genetic disease.

Miriam Meisler, Professor of Human Genetics and Professor of Neurology, U-M Medical School

Introduction by Philip Hanlon, Provost of the University of Michigan

Full Record