TWO exhibitions are running this week to highlight important work being done by neuroscientists at Newcastle University.

Coinciding with Brain Awareness Week, they show how art and science together can expose some of the astonishing workings of the brain.

One of the exhibitions, at Great North Museum: Hancock, was put together by young neuroscientists at the university’s Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research who have been working with art and community groups.

Mitochondria are rod-like cells which act as energy sources. Mitochondrial diseases, passed from mother to daughter, result from defects in these cells, leading to a range of debilitating conditions.

The exhibition is called Eve’s Curse: The Art of Mitochondrial Research, recalling Mitochondrial Eve, the common female ancestor of all living women who walked the planet hundreds of thousands of years ago.

A Newcastle University team have developed a transplant technique which could eradicate Mitochondrial diseases if it is given the go-ahead.

Prof Doug Turnbull, who leads the research, said: “Each unique piece of art that has been created is a reminder of how individual and special each person is.

“It’s this which inspires our research to ensure the best possibility of a healthy future for each baby.

“Our young scientists have enjoyed their highly-technical work and, in turn, working with artists we have gained a newfound appreciation for some of the slides and scientific images we work with.” The exhibition runs until Sunday.

Meanwhile, an interactive exhibition and demonstration will take place on Saturday and Sunday at the Centre for Life to show how the digital age impacts on the brain’s ability to process data.

It consists of a ‘distraction machine’ created by artist David Lisser.

Dr Quoc Vuong, a lecturer at the Institute of Neuroscience at the university, says: “Just think, for example, on your way to work how much you have to contend with – road signs, advertising, music in your headphones, emails and news on your phone.

“Already the installation (where a viewer is bombarded with images) has provoked conversation as to whether being increasingly informed is really just being distracted.”