Why do so many of us cry at the movies? Why do we flinch when Rocky Balboa takes a punch? What’s really happening in our brains as we immerse ourselves in the lives being acted out on screen? These are among the questions that neuroscientist Jeffrey M. Zacks, PhD, explores in his new book, “Flicker: Your Brain on Movies.”

The genome is the instruction book for life. But reading that instruction book and carrying out its directives are controlled by the epigenome, which attaches chemical markers to DNA to activate or silence genes. For the first time, researchers at the School of Medicine and elsewhere — including Ting Wang, PhD — have assembled a comprehensive map of the human epigenome.

Engineers Week is Feb. 23-28, and it aims to celebrate how engineers make a difference in the world and to increase public dialogue about the need for engineers. The week features events to engage students, faculty and others on campus on subjects from solar energy to space travel.