ROANOKE, Va. – Get ready for an enlightening experience! The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) is set to host its highly anticipated 12th annual Brain School on March 10 at 5 p.m. This engaging event invites the public to dive into the fascinating world of neuroscience, focusing this year on the groundbreaking therapeutic applications of focused ultrasound technology.

Attendees will have the chance to participate in interactive demonstrations, attend insightful talks, and explore informative exhibits. Notably, this year's theme revolves around the therapeutic use of focused ultrasound, a cutting-edge approach that holds immense promise for treating various brain disorders with far fewer side effects compared to traditional methods.

During the event, a panel discussion will shed light on exciting advancements in research related to focused ultrasound, which could pave the way for innovative treatments such as:

Chronic Pain and Depression Relief:

Offering non-invasive options that minimize adverse effects linked to regular medications.

Blood-Brain Barrier Access:

Enabling temporary openings in the blood-brain barrier to facilitate the targeted delivery of cancer treatments for children and adults battling brain tumors.

Alzheimer’s Disease Treatments:

Exploring noninvasive methods that could revolutionize how we manage this debilitating condition.

Virginia Tech stands out as one of only 14 Focused Ultrasound Centers of Excellence globally, emphasizing the innovative nature of this research.

Michael Friedlander, executive director of the FBRI, shared his enthusiasm about the event: "Mitigating much of the risk associated with traditional neurosurgical methods which involve opening the skull, focused ultrasound is a promising approach for delivering therapies across a spectrum of brain disorders. This year’s Brain School provides a unique chance to engage with cutting-edge neuro-technologies alongside leaders in biomedical innovation."

Beyond the panel discussions, attendees can look forward to:

Facility Tours:

Guided explorations of the FBRI’s state-of-the-art research labs.

Brain-Healthy Snacks:

Delicious food that promotes brain health.

Focused Ultrasound Demonstration:

Conducted by Jason Raymond, a research assistant professor who will showcase the technology in action.

Brain Anatomy Station:

Hands-on learning with Kristofer Rau from the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

Animal Brain Scans Overview:

Insights into how brain imaging techniques work with small animals, presented by Maosen Wang, another research assistant professor at FBRI.

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we unveil the wonders of the human brain and explore the future of neurological health. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest advancements in neuroscience at the 12th Annual Brain School!