The Georgia State Brain Balloon October 14, 2006

On the same day nearly 30,000 brain scientists descend on downtown for a five-day neuroscience conference, Georgia State University plays host to the World's Largest Brain – a nine-story hot air balloon shaped and brightly color-coded by functional regions of the human brain. The balloon will be set up as part of a free brain awareness fair from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 14, at the corner of Decatur Street and Piedmont Avenue.

Georgia State faculty, staff and students from the Brains and Behavior Program will be promoting brain-related issues through activities, games and giveaways.

The Georgia State Brain Balloon project was organized to coincide with the Society for Neuroscience 2006 conference Saturday, Oct. 14 through Wednesday, Oct. 18. The conference is expected to draw as many as 30,000 doctors, researchers and behavioral scientists to Atlanta.

"There's going to be a lot of brain power in Atlanta that week and we organized the Brain Balloon Project as a way to capitalize on all that power," said Georgia State biology professor Kyle Frantz, a project organizer.

The Brain Balloon is the creation of Missouri neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Gibbs. It tours the country to promote education.

If needed, a rain date has been scheduled Sunday, October 15. Check http://www.biology.gsu.edu/brainballoon for updates.

Official Website: http://www.gsu.edu/21672.html