Abstract

During the second Hat Club meeting of Lent term João Nuno (PhD at the Brain Repair Centre) and Susan Potter (MEd. Psychology & Education) will talk about their researches.

Nuno’s talk will be titled “Spinal Cord regeneration, a step closer to walk again…”. On May 27, 1995, “Superman” actor, Christopher Reeve, became a quadriplegic after being thrown from a horse in an equestrian competition. The fall had caused him a spinal cord injury and in one second he had lost all control of any part of his body below the neck for the next 9 years till his death. Spinal cord injuries affect primarily young adults, with most injuries occurring between the ages of 18 and 30 years. In the UK there are about 800 new cases per year and an estimated 40,000 patients with existing injuries. The net cost is estimated to be at least £500 million per year. The healthcare benefits of developing an effective treatment for spinal cord injury are clear. The discovery of a very special molecule has open a new path for spinal cord treatment after an injury. The molecule is an enzyme called Chondroitinase and it comes from a bacteria. Nuno’s study focuses on this fantastic and promising enzyme. One injection of Chondroitinase in the injury site hopefully will be able to regenerate nerves and restore plasticity in the neuronal environment. Step by step we are closer to give back the freedom of movement to those who have lost it forever.

Susan will give a talk titled “Striking a Chord: Music, Health and Well-Being”. How can we assess the long-term impacts that increased arts activity (including music and voice) can have upon personal, social and intellectual development within a community context? A unique study was devised to assess the long-term impact (2005-10) of a creative intervention upon children, families and communities in ten diverse locations across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The project worked in close collaboration with galleries, museums, performance venues, heritage sites and green spaces. Music was an integral part of the programme, and included innovative collaborations with, e.g. Britten Sinfonia, The Big Weekend, World Music Day and Youth Music. Susan’s presentation (which will include a film) will highlight the impacts such collaborations have had upon both individuals and the wider community.