British Science Week

A ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, inspiring young minds and fostering curiosity in scientific discovery.

On 11-12 March 2025, UK DRI researchers visited Archbishop Sumner Primary School in Kennington to host interactive activities exploring brain health and ageing. The sessions not only highlighted the importance of neuroscience research but also gave students an insight into careers in dementia research.

Students learnt about the different types of cells in the brain, their functions, and what happens in the brains of dementia patients. With paints and straws, students recreated the characteristic shapes of neurons, astrocytes and microglia, blowing outwards from a central cell body to form branching structures. Fluorescent images of healthy and Alzheimer's disease brain tissue provided a striking visual representation of how toxic protein build-up leads to neuronal loss and, eventually, the onset of clinical symptoms. The students could see first-hand how aggregate proteins appeared as red clusters among the green, blue, and yellow brain cells.

To illustrate the importance of cell signalling in brain function and healthy ageing, students assembled in two long lines and raced to pass a 'chemical signal' from one end of the line to the other by squeezing each others hands. Researchers explained how, in dementia, this signalling process is disrupted, leading to impaired communication between cells and, ultimately, cell death.

Through these hands-on activities, students explored the fascinating world of neuroscience and gained an understanding of how dementia affects the brain.