Science of our minds revealed at National Science Week

— 11 Aug, 2016 —

Science of our minds revealed at National Science Week

When hip-hop singer Naomi Wenitong woke up from a coma three months after being pronounced dead in a car accident it was her bushy eyebrows that shocked her, not the multiple fractures in her face or her complete loss of memory.

“My eyebrows were a mess, but my nails were amazing so I had to get on the phone to my sister and ask her what she had been thinking,” Naomi laughed.

The accident and Naomi’s incredible recovery from a brain injury made national headlines as the Indigenous performer had shot to fame as part of the ARIA chart-topping duo Shakaya in 2002.

Naomi will relive her often hilarious story and share her music as James Cook University tackles the serious issue of brain injury through science, art and music for National Science Week from August 13-21, 2016.

James Cook University’s Professor Alan Nimmo will host a Michael Parkinson-style interview delving into the science of our minds at Café Scientifique: Science, Music & Art – All in the Mind, a free event at The Tanks Arts Centre on Tuesday, August 16.

Professor Nimmo will discuss his groundbreaking research on a drug to stop the brain swelling after a head injury and James Cook University researchers Dr Kate Miller, Dr Tasmin Rymer and Dr Ernest Jennings will talk about a person’s perception of pain, parasites that can live in human brains and bizarre animal behaviour.

Guests also can experience Brainwave, an interactive art piece created by JCU Creative Media Unit staff and students, that uses visual arts and multimedia to connect the science of our minds with the research taking place around us.

What: Café Scientifique: Science, Music & Art – All in the Mind

When: Tuesday, August 16, 7-9pm, doors open 6.30pm

Where: Tank 5, The Tanks Arts Centre, Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, Cairns

Cost: Free! book online at http://alumni.jcu.edu.au/JCUNatScienceWk

This Inspiring Australia event is supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week and co-hosted by James Cook University and the Tanks Arts Centre.