The Longwood Seminars | Harvard Medical School

The end of 2011 marked the 40-year anniversary of President Nixon declaring the War on Cancer. Though a cure has not yet been discovered, the understanding of genetics is revolutionizing cancer research and improving the ways in which we can battle one of medicine's most challenging diseases. At this April 3, 2012, seminar, Harvard researchers will discuss how far we have come and where the field is heading in revealing the causes of cancer and our potential to develop transformative therapies. Learn more about the Longwood Seminars by visiting hms.harvard.edu/public/longwood.

As the childhood song goes, "If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it," but do you ever truly wonder why you're happy? Have you thought about where our emotions come from and why they make us feel the way we do? A panel of Harvard faculty members whose research sheds light on the range of human emotion will explore the science behind the smiles and tears during this March 20, 2012, seminar. Learn more about the Longwood Seminars by visiting hms.harvard.edu/public/longwood.

As human life expectancy increases, so does the possibility that a family member or friend will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately, researchers are continually learning more about what causes this debilitating condition and discovering new ways to help patients cope with symptoms. At this March 6, 2012, seminar, you will hear from faculty members who will share insight about the disease and tips for caring for a loved one. Learn more about the Longwood Seminars by visiting hms.harvard.edu/public/longwood.

Harvard Medical School Office of Communications & External Relations In today's 24-7 world, it's common to feel anxious, overburdened and stressed periodically. At this Longwood Seminar, doctors explain how the body responds to stressful situations and describe how stress affects psychological and physiological well-being. Faculty members share insight about how stress can be effectively managed.

Harvard Medical School Office of Communications & External Relations The senses make it possible to explore our surroundings and communicate in the world, but do you understand their role in the body? At this Longwood Seminar, a panel of Harvard faculty members who specialize in each of the five senses share their expertise on touch, vision, hearing, smell and taste, and discuss ways the senses can be leveraged to affect our health.

Harvard Medical School Office of Communications & External Relations Since the early 90's when it was first produced in the US, the value of genetically modified (GM) food has been challenged and debated. In this Longwood Seminar, you will learn about how GM foods are produced and how the process may change in the future. The relative benefits and controversies surrounding GM foods as well as policy issues associated with their production are discussed. Faculty members knowledgeable about GM goods share what is known about the technology and how it may in time be used to address worldwide problems, such as hunger and disease.

Harvard Medical School Office of Communications & External Relations As life expectancy continues to rise throughout the US, many of us can look forward to a longer life. In this Longwood Seminar, you will learn about the biology of aging to help explain the changes that take place in the body as people age, as well as hear practical advice from a physician about how to live a long and healthy life.