Get to Know
Ben Barres
Discover why we turned Ben into a superhero
ABOUT BEN BARRES
Superhero Backstory
Ben was born with a rare genetic mutation that gave him the ability to gain strength from electric activity and signals. He discovered his powers when he was 13 years old, and quickly realized that he could use them to stop crime.
Ben later learned to use his power to regenerate after an injury.
Ben later learned to use his power to regenerate after an injury.
Ben Barres
Occupation: Neurobiologist
Born: 1954
Died: 2017
Nationality: American
Ben was an influential neurobiologist and advocate for women in science. He is best known for his work on glial cells. Ben passed away in 2017, at the age of 63. His posthumously published memoir, The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist, documents his remarkable life story.
Born: 1954
Died: 2017
Nationality: American
Ben was an influential neurobiologist and advocate for women in science. He is best known for his work on glial cells. Ben passed away in 2017, at the age of 63. His posthumously published memoir, The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist, documents his remarkable life story.
Did you know?
Listen to Ben talk about the beauty of science and curiosity in this 2017 video.
You can also listen to Ben discuss the challenges that women face while taking the traditional academic path.
You can also listen to Ben discuss the challenges that women face while taking the traditional academic path.
THE DRAWING EXPLAINED
"Science Squad" is reminiscent of Marvel's "Superhero Squad" series. In this issue we meet Ben.
On Ben's superhero uniform you will find the outline of a Glial cell. Glial cells perform all kinds of functions in the brain and the nerves that run throughout your body.
Ben was born on 13 September, 1954. He is known for his research focused on the gaps in the sheath of nerves, called "Nodes of Ranvier".
The whip in Ben's hands is designed to look like a nerve's axon. The yellow grooves are the Nodes of Ranvier and the blue beads represent the Myelin sheaths.
The background to the drawing is the Stanford University School of Medicine; Ben was Chair of the Neurobiology Department.
This comic book cover is hiding a few hidden treasures that relate back to his life and work...