The Wild West of Chronic Pain: Collaborations among Artists, Scientists & Health Care Experts
The Transforming Pain Research Group, led by GRAND researcher and SFU professor, Dr. Diane Gromala, are exhibiting their work at the UCLA Art | Sci Center + Lab from November 30 to December 9. Members of this group are exploring ways that new technologies may help people who suffer from chronic pain.
Posted by GRAND NCE, November 25, 2011

The Transforming Pain Research Group, led by GRAND researcher and SFU professor, Dr. Diane Gromala, are exhibiting their work at the University of California (Los Angeles) Art | Sci Center + Lab from November 30 to December 9.  Team members Andrea Zeffiro, Tyler Fox and Jay Vidharthi will be be in attendance for the opening reception.

Their exhibit addresses issues related to chronic pain:

  • Why is a media technology -- immersive VR -- known as a "non-pharmacological analgesic"?
  • Can a robot reduce anxiety?
  • How might novel forms of social media combat the social isolation experienced by seniors who have chronic pain?
  • What do Sufi practices and phosphorescent creatures have to do with pain?

Members of the Transforming Pain Research Group comprise artists, musicians, computer scientists, engineers, designers, psychophysicists, and pain physicians. All are exploring the ways that new technologies may help the 1 in 5 people who suffer from chronic pain. 

Referred to as the silent epidemic, this relatively new disease has no known cause and no cure. While health care researchers explore its etiology, experts from diverse disciplines are working on ways to help with managing chronic pain. 

Exhibition Details:

Title: The Wild West of Chronic Pain: Collaborations among Artists, Scientists & Health Care Experts. An exhibition of the Transforming Pain Research Group. 
Location: Art Sci Gallery, 5th Floor California Nanosystems Institute (CNSI) University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Reception: November 30, 5:30-7:30pm
Guided Tours: November 30, noon-5pm
Exhibit Dates: November 30 - December 9

For more information on the exhibit, visit: artsci/ucla.edu or contact Prof. Diane Gromala

This exhibition was made possible through support from: GRAND , CNSI, UCLA ARTS and Simon Fraser University.  

For more information on Prof. Gromala's work, visit Confronting Pain, Redefining Mobility (CPRM). CPRM is one of 34 projects within the GRAND network.