"New Frontiers in Brain Science".

MIT to host conference on cutting edge research of the human brain

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- This week, the most distinguished and creative neuroscientists from around the world will present leading research on how the brain works at the Picower-RIKEN Symposium at MIT. CIGNA is one of the conference sponsors, hosted jointly by the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT and the RIKEN Brain Science Institute of Japan, two of the world's leading centers for brain research.

At the symposium, which is entitled "New Frontiers in Brain Science - from Molecules to Mind," researchers will share studies deciphering the "plasticity" of the brain: how the brain is developed in infancy, how it governs the ability of humans to remember and learn, and how it goes awry in a range of crippling brain diseases, from Alzheimer's to Schizophrenia.

"At CIGNA, we are focused on enhancing and improving the quality of life and productivity for our members," said Keith Dixon, Ph.D., who leads CIGNA's Behavioral, Health and Wellness, and Disease Management operations. "We are interested in exploring every opportunity that may lead to the prevention of diseases of the brain and mental illness in the future."

"Many of us have personally witnessed the devastating consequences of brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases," said Nobel laureate Susumu Tonegawa, Director of the RIKEN-MIT Neuroscience Research Center and former Director of the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory. "We are looking forward to a very exciting symposium where scientists will share research that may lead to potential treatment and cures."

The symposium takes place November 8-9 at the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT in Cambridge. This symposium will draw hundreds of participants, interested in exploring the brain at every level of its complexity--from its molecules, to its cells, to its circuits, to the cognitive system as a whole. For more information, visit: http://web.mit.edu/picower/events/symposium.html.

About CIGNA

CIGNA (NYSE:CI) provides employers with benefits, expertise and services that improve the health, well-being and productivity of their employees. With approximately 47 million covered lives in the United States and around the world, CIGNA's operating subsidiaries offer a full portfolio of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits and group life, accident and disability insurance. Reporters may find more information at the CIGNA newsroom @ http://cigna.mediaroom.com.