A Grey Matter

Dr Matt Kenna is fascinated by the science of memory. As a researcher at UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute, Matt is tasked with challenging prominent theories centred around one of the biggest unknowns in the world of neuroscience. Memory is fundamental to our identity, shaping who we are. As a member of the Sah lab, Matt studies synaptic plasticity to explore how memories are formed, retrieved, and influence behavior.In this engaging conversation, Matt discusses:How memory is definedWhere memories are stored in the brainThe importance of sleep in consolidating memoryWhy some memories are more important than othersHow we can delay cognitive decline and improve memory in old ageRelated papers and resourcesInterpreting memory: Research and Innovation Week 2024Podcast: Train your brainUQ Research reveals exercise brain boost can last for yearsUQ Research reveals new brain networks critical to memory formation

Professor John McGrath, a distinguished clinician and researcher at UQ's Queensland Brain Institute, is at the forefront of global mental health research. Growing up in Brisbane, John initially pursued a career as a psychiatrist before transitioning to groundbreaking research aimed at unraveling the complexities of mental health disorders. Co-leading a major international study in collaboration with The University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School, John’s research revealed that one in two people will develop a mental health disorder by the age of 75. This pivotal study sheds light on crucial questions about mental health.In this fascinating conversation, Professor McGrath discusses:The recent study findings showing how half of us will develop a mental health disorder by age 75.What epidemiology means, and why its useful in understanding mental health.The value of discovery science.The beauty of collaboration to reach a common goal.Whether mental health disorders could be prevented in the future.

Mr Mehershad Wadia has written numerous scripts for short comedies screened at international film festivals like Mumbai and San Francisco, joined the writing team for the third season of The Office India and published a children’s book. Matching his passion for entertainment is Mehershad’s commitment to brain research. He is adamant there is no reason to choose between the two. At UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute, Mehershad works in the Hilliard lab, studying the nervous system of c.elegans.  In this insightful conversation, Mehershad explains:   How the right experimental conditions led to a stand-up comedy career What studying worm brains can teach us about the human brain The parallels between comedy and science Why he became a writer for The Office during the pandemic How skills in the arts and science are helpful in any career.     

Professor Gail Robinson has developed a new diagnostic tool to assess cognitive function in post-stroke patients called The Brief Executive Language Screening Test (BELS). This brief 20-minute test, can predict how much a stroke patient will recover to function independently in their first year.In this informative podcast, Professor Robinson discusses:Stroke symptoms and causesWarning signs of a strokeThe window that the BELS test can be taken to best inform recoveryThe typical clinical pathway of a stroke patientLifestyle factors that can cause a stroke