Canadian brain researcher Dr. Anthony Phillips explained the intricacies of the human brain to an audience of roughly 300 Carleton students and scientists Nov. 18.

“The brain is like plastic and amazingly adaptable,” Phillips said, unlike the previous belief that the brain is hard-wired at birth.

The 2010 Gerhard Herzberg lecture looked at the advancements made in the understanding of the structure and functions of the brain.

The main concept covered was “synaptic plasticity,” which is the discovery that the circuitry in the brain changes in response to experiences and stimulation.

Though the concept was first discovered in 1973, it continues to be researched today, involving scientists from all over the world.

“It’s very much a collaborative effort,” Phillips said.

Phillips said he was first interested in science from a psychological perspective, but found the neuroscience side of the field totally fascinating.

With regards to synaptic plasticity, Phillips focuses on the effects it has on behavior.

Using rats in water mazes, Phillips, along with his colleagues, were able to see how temporarily altering parts of the brain could suppress or enhance memory. This means that it could soon be possible to remove weaker memories in the brain or suppress the memories of stressful events by applying the concept of synaptic plasticity.

Phillips said his research could also affect our understanding of how people learn and mental conditions such as schizophrenia and addictions.

“I am a scientist, anything to do with the brain, I’m interested in,” said mathematics professor Angelo Mingarelli. He said he was also curious about hearing about the brain from a different standpoint than the mathematical outlook.

Fourth-year psychology student Rachel Comba is doing her honours thesis in neuroscience said she heard Phillips was a big name in the field.

She said her favourite part of the lecture was how he made the high-minded findings relatable by showing how it can be applied to mental disorders.

“I like how he brought it back to the people,” Comba said.

Second-year undeclared student Sam Williamson said, “I thought it was interesting how potentially blocking certain chemicals could suppress or enhance memory and how that could influence learning.”

“We`re dealing with some of the biggest questions in science,” said Phillips, “it’s endlessly fascinating.”