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In This Issue:
The brain power of Gary Gottlieb, MD, MBA, BWH president; Dennis Selkoe, MD, BWH neurologist and founder of the Partners Program of Excellence in Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases; and Martin A. Samuels, MD, BWH chair of Neurology, is coming soon to a theater near you. The three lent their expertise to the new Partners-produced IMAX® film, “Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France,” which premieres at the Museum of Science on Dec. 1.
The film, funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation, is the centerpiece of a Partners initiative to draw young people to the complex world of science. It’s a unique collaboration of scientists, filmmakers and educators to teach the public about brain biology. “Wired to Win” portrays the brain at work through the story of two cyclists as they try to avoid danger and crushing pain, control their emotions and stay motivated.
“‘Wired to Win’ cleverly illustrates how a healthy brain works and how cyclists in the Tour de France use the mind to integrate a huge amount of information to execute a plan to win,” Selkoe said.
The BWH advisers worked to ensure that the images of the brain and the human body on screen were accurate. “It was very fulfilling to translate these every day functions that take place unseen in our bodies into words and images that are completely engaging,” Gottlieb said.
Samuels added, “‘Wired to Win’ captures the excitement I feel when I understand yet another piece of the puzzle about brain function.”
“Wired to Win” arrives in theaters as there is great concern about the country’s continued leadership in science and technology. According to the National Science Board, the percentage of Americans ages 18 to 24 pursuing science degrees has fallen to 17th from third in the world 30 years ago. “By bringing science to life in such a compelling way, we hope to inspire young people to become the next generation of doctors, nurses, scientists and bio-medical researchers,” Gottlieb said.
The film’s Dec. 1 premiere specifically is geared towards youngsters as Mayor Thomas Menino will gather with more than 300 Boston schoolchildren, including 90 students from the Tobin School in Mission Hill, to see the film.
The film opens to the general public Dec. 9. Details will be available soon on special screenings beginning January for all Partners employees.