Upcoming Events for ISL
Fall 2026
Brown Bag Series
Dr. Yan Li
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Innovation Hub, Room 126 and Zoom
Title: How Brain Immune Cells Communicate to Protect Against Neurodegeneration
Abstract:
Microglia are the brain’s resident immune cells and play an important role in maintaining brain health. They are also increasingly implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, but how they communicate with other brain cells and influence neurodegeneration remains poorly understood.
In this study, we use human stem-cell-derived brain organoids (“mini-brain” models) to investigate interactions between microglia and neural cells in Alzheimer’s disease. We focus on extracellular vesicles, tiny particles released by cells that carry molecular signals to other cells. Using brain organoids and microglia derived from healthy individuals and people with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, we examine how these vesicles affect inflammation, metabolism, and neural degeneration.
Our findings suggest that extracellular vesicles from healthy microglia and microglia-containing brain organoids can regulate pathways related to inflammation, Alzheimer’s pathology, and cellular metabolism, offering new insights into brain immune-cell communication and potential approaches to neuroprotection.
Registration: Register here
Dr. Mark Isaac
Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Innovation Hub, Room 126 and Zoom
Title: When Irrelevant Information Changes Our Minds: Lessons from the Monty Hall Problem
Abstract:
Why do people sometimes change their decisions when they receive information that should not matter? And can we teach people to make better decisions under uncertainty? Using the classic Monty Hall problem, this study examines how people interpret probabilities, respond to new information, and learn from experience. We introduce an experimental setting in which the best choice is relatively intuitive, but participants are subsequently given additional information that should have no effect on that choice. We find that while making probabilities more intuitive can substantially improve decision-making, some people are still influenced by irrelevant information, and improvements do not necessarily transfer to other decision contexts. The findings raise broader questions about how people learn to reason under uncertainty—and whether they learn underlying principles or simply adopt rules of thumb.
Registration: Register here
Dr. Molly Hermiller
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Innovation Hub, Room 112 and Zoom
Title: TBD
Registration: Register here
FSU Health Expo
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: 10 E. Jefferson Street, Quincy, FL 32351
More ISL Events
Additional Fall 2026 events and Brown Bag speakers will be announced soon.
About ISL Events
The Institute for Successful Longevity (ISL) organizes a variety of events throughout the year to foster collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas. These events bring together thought leaders, researchers, and the community to discuss important topics related to longevity, health, and aging.
