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ETV Broadcast of "Brain Fitness 2: Sight and Sound"
Might Change the Way You Think—Literally

For Immediate Release
November 19, 2008

How much truth is there to the adage, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks"? Very little, according the program Brain Fitness 2: Sight and Sound, which airs Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. on ETV.

Additional broadcasts air Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m., and for night owls, on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 1 a.m. and again at 4 a.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 a.m.

Brain Fitness 2: Sight and Sound is part of a series that focuses on "brain plasticity," the ability of the brain to remain fluid and flexible, and quickly adapt to change, even as we grow older. With age, our senses can dull as the brain begins to process information more slowly. This can negatively effect—and possibly even stops us—from doing some of the things we take for granted, such as being able to drive or enjoying conversations with loved ones.

How can we prevent this from happening? In short, just as we must continually exercise and stretch our bodies, so too must we exercise our brains to keep them from becoming lethargic and stiff.

Brain Fitness 2: Sight and Sound expands upon the original Brain Fitness program by focusing on two of our most important senses and learning how our brains process visual and aural information. More importantly, it gives tips on how we can begin our own brain fitness program, including:

• Keeping the skills you have and not accepting decline as inevitable
• Staying socially active
• Increasing your ability to maintain focus and attention
• Completing mental tasks that are truly challenging

Some of the groundbreaking research uncovered in the program include:

• Why is it so hard to tell if the Mona Lisa is smiling? Dr. Margaret Livingstone of the Harvard Medical School, explains how artists such Leonardo da Vinci and Russian-born painter Mark Rothko used their knowledge of the visual processing system to create illusions in art.

• We've all heard that taking a different route to work is an easy way to exercise our brains. But Dr. Richard Frackowiak puts that theory to the ultimate test using London cab drivers who must navigate the city's complex and challenging maze of streets and boulevards each day. Frackowiak reveals the surprising effect their jobs have had on the lives of these cabbies.

• How can a device placed under the tongue change the lives of people with balance problems or visual impairments? Neuroscientist Aimee Arnoldussen introduces viewers to the BrainPort, which sends "bubble"-like impulses to the underside of the tongue, and then on to the portions of the brain that control these functions.

South Carolina ETV is the state's public educational broadcasting network with 11 television and eight radio transmitters, and a multi-media educational system in more than 2,500 schools, colleges, businesses and government agencies. Using television, radio and the web, SCETV's mission is to enrich lives by educating children, informing and connecting citizens, celebrating our culture and environment and instilling the joy of learning.

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For more information, contact Rob Schaller at (803) 737-6556 or rschaller@scetv.org.