Dana Foundation Blog

Engaging the Next Generation of Neuroscientists

A major part of the Dana Foundation’s Brain Awareness Week campaign is to engage young students in activities and discussions about the brain. To aid in this endeavor, Dana publishes a few brainy booklets specifically geared toward kids – some of which are offered in multiple languages, as well as games and puzzles. We’re always keen to find new kid-friendly brain resources to add to our Brainy Kids section, and the other day my colleague found a cool new brain resource from the Wellcome Trust in London. The glossy publication offers students and teachers an overview of what imaging research has taught us about the brain, addressing different types of imaging, neuro-myths, and reflections from doctors and patients on the role their brains play in their lives. Check it out!

--Ann L. Whitman

Brain Game: Brain Quote Cryptogram II

As we count down the hours until the holiday weekend, why not take a little trivia break with one of the many brain-themed puzzles created by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives?

The following cryptogram is a quote about the brain, followed by the name of its author. Some of the letters have been filled in to give you a head start. Can you solve it?

(Click to enlarge)

The answer will be posted in the comments section one week from today. Please feel free to share your answer below.

Happy holidays!

--Ann L. Whitman

Brain Game: Word Jumble

The following jumbled words are skills you can practice to help keep your memory sharp. Once you figure out the answers, unscramble the highlighted letters to answer the riddle (one letter has been filled in for you):

“Why do reptiles have such good memories?”

“Because they have ________  _________ !”

What may seem like a faltering memory may in fact be a decline in the rate at which we learn and store new information.  Visit www.dana.org for more information on memory, and practice these memory skills to enhance learning and make remembering easier:

Brain Game: Brain Quote Cryptogram

The following cryptogram, one of the many puzzles created by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, is a quote about the brain, with the name of its author. Some of the letters have been filled in to give you a head start. Can you solve it?

(Click to enlarge)

The answer will be posted in the comments section one week from today. Please feel free to share your answer below.

--Ann L. Whitman

Brain Game: Word Scramble

If you’ve ever felt guilty about the need to take periodic breaks during the workday to recharge, cut yourself a little slack. According to a New York Times article published over the weekend, research indicates that regular breaks can actually improve worker productivity and creativity, while “skipping breaks can lead to stress and exhaustion.”

So, here at the Dana Foundation, we would like to help you achieve your productivity goals by supplying you with a fun little break activity—a word scramble based on information found in the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives’ publication It’s Mindboggling! How many words can you unscramble?

gyadmlaa ________________
(hint: this brain part is involved in emotional reactions like anger)