Can a Veterinary Neurologist Beat the News? Dr. Lauren Koos Takes the Brain Smarts Challenge | WVC Nashville 2026

Can one of veterinary medicine's top neurologists outsmart the week's biggest headlines?

On this special WVC Nashville 2026 edition of Brain Smarts, hosts Caitlin and Clay Palmer put Dr. Lauren Downey Koos—clinical neurologist at BluePearl Veterinary and WVC Nashville headliner—through Vet Candy's fast-paced veterinary trivia showdown.

From CRISPR-engineered screwworms to augmented reality surgery, a $230 million veterinary teaching hospital, and the surprising science behind your cat's slow blink, Dr. Koos breaks down what's hype, what's real, and why these stories matter to veterinarians.

Along the way, she tackles rapid-fire questions, shares specialist insights, and proves that even neurologists can be stumped.

In this episode:

Colorado State University's game-changing $230 million veterinary expansion

The USDA's $105 million plan to stop the New World Screwworm

Could augmented reality become the future of veterinary surgery?

The science behind why slow blinking at cats actually works

A lightning-round made just for veterinary neurologists

Whether you're a veterinarian, veterinary technician, student, or simply obsessed with veterinary medicine, you'll walk away with surprising facts, practical takeaways, and a few laughs.

About Dr. Lauren Downey Koos