Alex, Remembered
Alex (1976–2007), an African Grey parrot who mesmerized the world with his accomplishments, died at Brandeis September 6.
He participated in thirty years of research into avian cognition and was considered by many to be the brainiest bird on the planet. He had a vocabulary of hundreds of words and had acquired concepts of categories, bigger and smaller, same–different, and absence.
Comparative psychologist Irene Pepperberg will continue her research with two other African Greys in her lab.
Front Lines
Catalyst is the vehicle we use to place our readers on the frontlines of discovery with Brandeis researchers and their students as they explore the frontiers of new knowledge in the lab. Each fall, it is my pleasure to present you the “bottom line” — that is, the synthesis of all of these efforts into the annual research report. I am happy to tell you that despite an uncertain economy and drops in science-grant funding, our sponsored funding experienced minimal declines. One reason for Brandeis’s continued success in thwarting the national trend is the significant increase in grant applications — this number rose by 25 percent at Brandeis during this period.
As the Carl J. Shapiro Science Center is taking shape before our eyes, this issue of Catalyst will usher readers on an imaginary trip through the new labs to “see” a few of the life-changing activities that soon will fill the new center. Gina Turrigiano, 2007 National Institutes of Health Pioneer Award–winning scientist, and colleague Sacha Nelson will show us how their research on brain circuitry affects our understanding of Rett syndrome and autism. Just a few steps away, Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator and noted biological-clock expert Michael Rosbash works with students — and fruit flies — to uncover the secrets of circadian rhythms and how the human biological clock ticks.
The openness and collegiality of the scientists is reflected in the architecture of the workplace. Join us now for an exciting walk-through to discovery.
Maria C. Pellegrini, PhD
Vice President for Research