Neuroscience, science communication, advocacy - what do I do? Well, here’s a thread of memories to have a gander at 👇 Starting with my talk for @RadioNational Ockham’s Razor hosted by @natashamitchell at @tasmuseum for @BeakerStreetSci @AcademicChatter #WomenInSTEMM #ecrchat

In our 3rd session, Dr. Lila Landowski delivered an excellent and interactive workshop on science communication. @rockatscientist #ANA2025

Want more #neuroscience content? Find me here: https://t.co/EG5YBCBsZ5 https://t.co/RssdCu0rrF https://t.co/PEeo8Pksoc https://t.co/vXcq4kuJV8 https://t.co/oAxdSKnC64

This video belongs to me, Dr. Lila Landowski. I’m happy for you to repost this and/or use it in teaching, just credit me/tag me (Dr Lila Landowski @rockatscientist). Full Copyright details in the youtube video description: https://t.co/rOA15SlF88 14/n

P.S. It's actually more than two neurons. What looks like a single neuron is actually couple of neurons tightly snuggled up together, so close that they move as one. 13/n

So, what you're watching is a glimpse into how brains wire themselves. Brains build themselves with exquisite precision, one tiny handshake at a time. Who knew videos of microscopic growth cones could make us feel things? 12/n https://t.co/rOA15SlF88

Fun fact: I recorded this about 15 years ago. I was about to toss out this dish of neurons. Then I glanced in the microscope, saw something interesting starting to unfold, and hit “record." I had to pre-set the recording time (20 mins), so thats why it ended so abruptly. 9/n

Synapses are tiny connections between neurons, like miniature kissing points between neurons. They are way smaller than a growth cone. Check out this cool video of dendritic spines (one side of the synaptic "kiss") by Dr Daniel Bligh https://t.co/2AhflfL6sl 8/n

This video shows a specific type of neuroplasticity called axonal or dendritic sprouting. People often ask: “Is this what happens when we learn something?” Nope. Learning happens via a totally different mechanism: synaptogenesis or synaptic plasticity 7/n

This footage represents what happens in development and what happens in regeneration after physical truma, like a spinal cord injury. Growth cones resprout after injuries, but struggle to navigate and reconnect with their old target, which is one reason why recovery is poor 6/n

And it’s not random. The wiring is incredibly precise. Imagine 86 billion wires, each with a purpose. A motor neuron won’t accidentally plug into a taste cell in your taste buds 5/n

When we are developing in utero, you’ll find these “growth cones,” at the tip of every single growing neuron, actively searching their way between cells, trying to find The One™ to connect with. Once they do, the growth cone is resorbed and disappears 4/n

They use these webbed hand-like structures you see in the video called growth cones. And the spidery fingers? Those are called filopodia, constantly reaching, touching, testing their surroundings 3/n

This represents how our nervous system develops, and what it tries to do to after a physical injury. But how do neurons know who to connect with in a brain of 86 billion other neurons, and navigate through a body to connect the body to the brain in exactly the right way? 2/n

Two #neurons connecting You might have seen this video before I'm the #neuroscientist who captured the footage moments before binning the petri dish. Lucky! People repost it saying "this is memory! This is healing from emotional trauma!" ...it is not The reality is way cooler 1/n

@billshortenvcuc @UniCanberra @ayyemm @Science_Academy @CSIRO @ScienceAU @CDUni @OceanDecadeAus @QUT @DavidPocock @SenatorClaire @AustralianLabor @PressClubAust @FeyiAkin Next up at @ScienceAU ‘s #SMP2025, the Pitch Perfect science communication panel with #scicomm legends, @nick_coatsworth @VanessaPirotta @Ha_Tanya (and me). Couldn’t live tweet and talk, so will catch up on this post later! 13/n

@billshortenvcuc @UniCanberra @ayyemm @Science_Academy @CSIRO @ScienceAU @CDUni @OceanDecadeAus @QUT @DavidPocock @SenatorClaire @AustralianLabor @PressClubAust You could hear a pin drop as people hang on @FeyiAkin ‘s advice on messaging. She quips: “Don’t ask to get married on the first date - it’s a relationship, you need to build it up!” She says the advisor is better placed to make advancements on an issue you’re invested in. 12/n

@billshortenvcuc @UniCanberra @ayyemm @Science_Academy @CSIRO @ScienceAU @CDUni @OceanDecadeAus @QUT @DavidPocock @SenatorClaire Always a highlight hearing from our passionate Minister for Science, the Hon Ed Husic @AustralianLabor at the @PressClubAust “Australia is ranked #5 for trust in science - they deserve a government which trusts science as much as they do” 11/n

@billshortenvcuc @UniCanberra @ayyemm @Science_Academy @CSIRO @ScienceAU @CDUni @OceanDecadeAus @QUT @DavidPocock Brooke Curtin, Senior Advisor for the Shadow Minister for Science, @SenatorClaire, wraps it a superb discussion by reminding us to plan your chat: -what is your purpose -what are you asking for? -how can they/the public benefit? “…don’t just turn up and say how can I help” 10/n

@billshortenvcuc @UniCanberra @ayyemm @Science_Academy @CSIRO @ScienceAU @CDUni @OceanDecadeAus @QUT Fiona Scott, the energetic Chief of Staff for Senator @DavidPocock shares some golden stories about the spontaneity required in politics. On meeting with politicians: “a good meeting is a short meeting. Be clear on your asks” #smp2025 @ScienceAU 9/n

@billshortenvcuc @UniCanberra @ayyemm @Science_Academy @CSIRO @ScienceAU @CDUni @OceanDecadeAus John Byron @QUT gives us insight into just how long and busy the day is for parliamentarians, and not to forget they are human: “a little bit of empathy goes a long way… they may be distracted, they may be tired - and that may have nothing to do with you” @ScienceAU #SMP2025 8/n