CAMBRIDGE, MA-Two programs in MIT's 1997 Aging Successfully series-scheduled for April 3 and 10 from 9:30am-noon-will focus on misconceptions about aging and on ground-breaking medical research at MIT. These programs, co-sponsored by the MIT Women's League and the MIT Medical Department, are free and open to the public. They will be held in the Tang Center's Wong Auditorium (70 Memorial Drive and Wadsworth Street).
"Myths and Fallacies of Aging" (April 3) looks at the aging process as a gradual loss of resilience. How this impacts both physiological and psychological health will form the basis of a panel discussion by Brigham and Women's geriatrician Dr. Neil M. Resnick and Mt. Auburn psychiatrist Daniel P. Asnes, moderated by Dr. Michael A. Kane of the MIT Medical Department.
Dr. William M. Kettyle, MIT Medical's associate director, will moderate the April 10 program, "Medical Breakthroughs from MIT." This session samples work of three MIT researchers:
- Dr. Elazer R. Edelman, MD, PhD, who applies his medicine/engineering background in studying coronary artery disease at the molecular level and engineering new ways to thwart its progress;
- Linda G. Griffith, PhD, associate professor of chemical engineering, who grows "mini-livers" smaller than a dime to study how cells organize into functioning livers (ultimately, livers for transplantations);
- Emilio Bizzi, MD, head of MIT's Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, who integrates biology and engineering in his studies of motion and how muscles work-understanding that could lead to new treatments for old problems like atherosclerosis.
These seminars mark the 10th anniversary of Aging Successfully, which has grown to cover not only aspects of aging, but timely medical issues of all kinds. Conceived and organized by former MIT first lady Kay Stratton, they are part of the Catherine N. Stratton Lecture Series.
Coffee will be served in the Tang Center lobby from 9am before each session; a generous question period will follow each program. Garage parking will be available on Ames Street behind Legal Seafoods.
