VISITORS to Techniquest in Cardiff will be able to give their grey matter a thorough work out this week when they take part in the Brain Drain Science Theatre.

Every weekend and weekdays during the summer half-term the show will take a look at the human brain answering questions such as how big it is to why it is wrinkled up, and why we remember some things and forget others.

Volunteers can test their memory by trying to memorise a Generation Game-style conveyor belt of items and recalling as many as possible in just 30 seconds.

Techniquest presenters will trick the brains in the audience with optical illusions and will make one audience member's throwing skills go wonky by fitting them with a pair of alternative spectacles.

Helen Featherstone, education manager for public programmes at Techniquest, said visitors to the new exhibition would see their brains in a "whole new light."

She said: "The brain is such a fascinating and complex organ. It controls everything about us, from simple tasks like blinking and breathing to complicated things like our personalities.

"Many visitors will see their brains in a whole new light when they leave the show and there is a great finale which will leave the audience amazed."

In addition to the Brain Drain show there are a further 160 hands-on exhibits, puzzles, challenges and scientific marvels including a Planetarium, a Discovery Room and a laboratory.

The 'Brain Drain Science Theatre' will run until Friday, June 4. For more information contact Techniquest on 02920 475475. Opening hours at Techniquest are 9:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday and 10:30am-5pm on Saturday, Sunday on Bank Holidays. Last admissions are 45 minutes before closing.