Cosmos Science City: Mysteries of the human body

For thousands of years, scientists have sought to unravel the mysteries of the human anatomy by dissecting bodies. Indeed, the oldest surviving anatomical atlas written more than 2,000 years ago!

While our research methods have evolved, our fascination with the human body remains.

Join February’s panel of researchers as they discuss innovative approaches and best practice in teaching anatomy, how studying worm brains might help us treat chronic pain, what a faecal microbiota transplant is, and what happens when a body is donated to science.

When: Tuesday February 6, 12.30pm-1.30pm ACDT.

Where: In person at The Science Exchange, 55 Exchange Place and live streamed (see below).

What: FREE public conversation with researchers from Adelaide’s tertiary institutions.

Meet our panellists.

  • Dr Nicola Massy-Westropp is a senior lecturer at the University of South Australia Allied Health & Human Performance. Nicola’s research interests include hand rehabilitation, rheumatoid arthritis and best practice in anatomy education.
  • Dr Yee Lian Chew – otherwise known as the ‘worm lady’ – is a senior lecturer in the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University. Yee Lian uses the worm brain to understand the chemical changes that take place in the human brain when we gain new knowledge and memories. It is hoped that this research might change the way we manage and treat conditions like neurodegeneration and chronic pain.
  • Dr Danijela Menicanin is the Associate Dean of Learning Quality and Student Experience and an education specialist at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide. She is currently focused on innovative teaching approaches and methodologies to cultivate creativity in the dynamic, technology driven culture of learning and teaching.
  • Dr Hannah Wardill is a Hospital Research Foundation Fellow and lead of the Supportive Oncology Research Group in the School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide and Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, SAHMRI. Hannah’s research interests include how chemotherapy damages gut health. She was involved in Australia’s first trial of faecal microbiota transplantation in people with blood cancer.

Cosmos Science City is a collaboration between SAHMRI, the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia and Flinders University. Through these sessions we aim to inspire curiosity in ‘The Science of Everything’ and make the world of science accessible to everyone.

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