2014 Schedule

Thursday, March 6, 6:00–7:30 pm

The Eyes Have It: Why and how you see

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There’s more to eyes than meets the eye. Our eyes are small machines containing complex circuitry and our understanding of this machinery advances every day. How does the process of vision work? What happens when sight fails – whether it is traced to disease or genetics? In this seminar, faculty experts from Harvard Medical School will explain the complexities behind the eye, the latest research related to vision and eye disorders, and pointers for keeping these important organs healthy.

Moderator:
Carolyn Kloek

Speakers:
Louis Pasquale
Connie Cepko
 

Thursday, March 13, 6:00–7:30 pm

Healthy Mind, Healthy Body: Benefits of exercise

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There is no question that exercise aids weight loss and helps the body grow stronger. A consistent commitment to fitness also improves heart health and boosts energy, among other numerous benefits. No matter your age or ability level, experts agree that regular physical activity is good for your health. At this seminar, learn about the science behind exercise, how it contributes to physical and mental health, as well as tips for maintaining a healthy exercise regimen.

Moderator
Myechia Minter-Jordan

Speakers
Zolt Arany
Irene Davis

Thursday, March 20, 6:00–7:30 pm

Up Close and Personal: Genetics and you

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As technologies improve and costs decrease, genome sequencing at the doctor's office could one day be as common as a cholesterol test. Genetic, or DNA, testing can be a powerful tool for investigating disease and genetic disorders, and it can also reveal information about an individual's ancestry. At the same time, increasing availability of testing raises ethical issues that until recently didn’t even exist. Physicians, scientists, and ethicists alike are grappling with the myriad of issues that the unfolding genetic revolution is raising. At this seminar, HMS faculty experts will discuss how and why DNA testing is done, and what this fast-evolving field means for you.

Moderator
Joseph Thakuria

Speakers
Robert Green
Ting Wu

Thursday, April 10, 6:00–7:30 pm

Sound and Fury: Understanding post-traumatic stress disorder

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Sometimes after a terrifying event, a person can develop post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. What are the risk factors, signs and symptoms of this condition? Scientists and clinicians are examining the scientific underpinnings of PTSD in an effort to better understand it and care for patients effectively. A panel of Harvard Medical School faculty members will discuss how it is diagnosed and treated, and share advice for family members and friends who have loved ones coping with the condition.

Moderator
John Bradley

Speakers
Roger Pitman
Michael Charness
Paula Rauch

Videos from the 2013 series

Did you miss any of the seminars from 2013? The videos have been posted to our video archive.

All seminars take place at:

Harvard Medical School
The Joseph B. Martin Conference Center
The New Research Building
77 Avenue Louis Pasteur
Boston, MA 02115

Harvard Medical School is a short walk from the Longwood stops on both the Green D and E lines and the #39 bus. Parking is available at public garages in the Longwood Medical area.
Maps and Directions »