Get to Know

Ben Barres

Discover why we turned Ben into a superhero

WHO WAS BEN BARRES?

Name: 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.

Historic black and white portrait of Anandibai Joshi, India’s first female doctor, standing in traditional attire with ornate embroidery, wearing a nose ring and jewelry, in a studio setting with a textured backdrop.

In The Remarkablz Universe, 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.

Superhero Backstory

Illustrated comic-style cover featuring Ben Barres in a superhero costume with a glowing neural network design on his chest. He holds a neural-glue-themed whip and stands confidently in front of a university-style building. The cover headline reads: “Science Squad – In this issue: The importance of a good mentor – Ben Barres.”

BEN'S COMIC BOOK COVER EXPLAINED

This comic book cover is hiding a few hidden treasures that relate back to his life and work...

"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.

What are Glial Cells?

Learning how glial cells work will help us understand brain activity and fight against brain damage, mental disorders and degenerative diseases.

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a condition that involves the build-up of a fluid in the brain. In this video you can learn about the effects of hydrocephalus. This video may be more suitable for ages 8+.
Video Credit: Neuroscientifically Challenged

Want to learn the Brain Song?

Learn about the brain with this fun educational music video from Kids Learning Tube. Don't forget to sing along!
Video Credit: Kids Learning Tube

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