Gray Matters: Brain Science in the 21st Century (Stanford Roundtable)

A panel of thought leaders and scientists explores the developing world of neuroscience and what it means for people on a personal basis. Topics include neuroplasticity and different therapies used to treat stroke victims.

The Roundtable at Stanford University is an annual event that is part of Stanford's Reunion Homecoming Weekend put on for Stanford alumni - October 6, 2012.

Moderator: Juju Chang (ABC News Nightline)
Panelists: John Hennessy (President, Stanford University); Dr. Frank Longo (Chair, Department of Neurology, Stanford University); Jill Bolte Taylor (Neuroanatomist, author, My Stroke of Insight); Carla Shatz (Professor of biology and neurobiology, Stanford University); Bob Woodruff (ABC News, Founder of The Bob Woodruff Foundation).

Gray Matters: Brain Science in the 21st Century

What if you could use sadness to make you more creative, erase bad memories and wipe out stress, keep your brain fit into your 90s, and drastically reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and memory loss?

The plasticity and capability of the brain has never been better understood. New research is revealing compelling findings that will change the way we think, interact and plan throughout our lives. As longevity and at the same time mental health issues are on the rise, our ability to impact the brain is also increasing.

Yet these are the very early days, as some put it, of understanding "those three pounds of meat inside our heads." How can we apply the new brain science to our own lives, and how is neuroscience in the 21st century going to impact us all?

Join ABC news correspondent Juju Chang and a panel of distinguished thought leaders and scientists to explore the brave new world of neuroscience and what it means for you and your family.