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At the intersection ofart & science

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Dedicated to the scientific discovery of the body-brain connection

The mission of the Embodied Brain Lab (EBL) is to harness the power of the body and mind to improve brain function and physiology in both healthy and clinical populations. We utilize a range of mind-body-movement practices including dance, yoga, and meditation to examine ways to improve mood, memory, and social interactions.

Our research has 2 main goals:

1)  To identify the neural and behavioral mechanisms through which mind-body-movement practices optimize brain health and wellness

2) To identify the neural and behavioral mechanisms that optimize motivational engagement in physical activity and other health behaviors

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DIRECTOR

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Julia C. Basso 

PhD, CYT

Principal Investigator

Assistant Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech

Affiliate Professor, School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech

Affiliate Professor, Virginia Tech Center for Autism Research

Fellow, Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion

Fellow, Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, Virginia Tech

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CURRENT LAB MEMBERS

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Chelsea

Buhler

Doctoral Student

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Alana

Smith

Doctoral Student

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Noor

Tasnim

Doctoral Student

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Mackenzie Aychman

Masters Student

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Carving Out Creativity, a project investigating the effects of stone carving on brain function and physiology, supported by the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology.

Image by the Virginia Tech Doodler, Steven White

 

MAJOR COLLABORATORS

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Daniel English

PhD

School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech

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Georgia Hodes

PhD

School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech

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RESEARCH TECHNIQUES

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Our laboratory studies the body-brain connection from the level of circuit physiology in rodents to human behavior and neural oscillations. We specialize in electrophysiological recordings and inter-brain synchrony to examine dynamic social interactions between humans.

THE BRAIN ON DANCE:
   LIL BUCK AND MEMPHIS JOOKIN'

Image by Jakub Kriz

FEATURED PODCAST

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017_Dance_Julia_Basso_FINAL_FIXED_againDr. Julia Basso
00:00 / 25:35

"Dancer and neuroscientist Julia Basso, PhD, wants us all to dance -- together or separately, it's all good. Dancing with a partner creates a synchrony that's remarkably like that between a mother and infant, and even dancing alone benefits body and brain alike. Find out how dance produces new neurons and engages brain processes, and why it is that joyful movement optimizes brain function. Plus... Dance for Parkinson's Disease!"

At the Embodied Brain Laboratory, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community of scientists that believe in the following ideas.

Social Media

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Participate in our research

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Please get in touch with us!

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