Are you smarter than a mouse? Translating basic research into practical applications.

Using "model organisms," such as mice, allows researchers to examine biological mechanisms for human health and disease in an efficient way. However, translation of physiological and behavioral findings is necessary to identify potential gene-environment interactions and developmental processes that are involved in human disease. Virtual environments, which mimic the tasks employed to examine behavioral phenotypes in mice, are one way to translate basic research to the human population. Through an ongoing multidisciplinary collaboration we have begun to translate research on the biological basis of Developmental Dyslexia by translating findings in gene knockout mice to children, 8 to 12 years old, with Reading Disorder. This talk is supported by the EXCEL Scholars Program. All are invited, and lunch will be provided.