2017

Virus vectors are promising tools for delivering genes to the nervous system and are used for introducing genes which, when expressed, allow for the manipulation and monitoring of neurons. Selecting the best viral vector requires consideration of a number of factors like the duration over which the expression will be needed and the level of

For August, we selected 10 papers that cover the circuit mechanisms involved in a full spectrum of behaviors, including feeding, moving, sleeping, socializing, remembering, and scratching an itch. Most of the studies listed below record and manipulate activity in specific neuronal populations in freely moving mice. Three of the studies apply the Inscopix nVista system

New research has revealed that deep in the brain, in a structure called striatum, all possible movements that an animal can do are represented in a map of neural activity. If we think of neural activity as the coordinates of this map, then similar movements have similar coordinates, being represented closer in the map, while

The summer is nearing the end (unbelievably!), and we have a new list of neural circuit papers published in July. What is the criteria for the papers that make this list? I’m looking for studies that either open the way (or provide a novel resource/method) for a deeper dive into circuit mechanisms and/or ideally work

We are saddened by the passing of a titan in neuroscience, Professor Howard Eichenbaum (read BU obituary here). Howard was a kind and courageous scientist who had a hugely positive impact on his fellow neuroscientists and in learning and memory research. Willing to push the frontiers of science, his lab was an early adopter of

Most of us who have pursued a career in academia realized at some point along the way that we wanted to explore alternative job opportunities. Perhaps it was because we had other facets to our interests that we wanted to express, or we admired little about the lives of our advisors. Or it could be

Have the issues around scientific publishing changed over the past decade? As always, there’s a drive to publish in what are considered the top journals. Funding, tenure and promotions depend heavily on the quality of a lab’s research articles, which are in many cases determined by the very journal in which the studies are published.

June’s top neural circuit papers introduce new methods for non-invasively stimulating and labeling circuits, ferrying genes to central and peripheral circuits, and some really cool conceptual advances. The advances include circuit mechanisms for complex behaviors ranging from nicotine-seeking, wakefulness, face coding, motor control and sexual behaviors. Some of the conceptual advances show novel mechanisms for

We’ve launched a new podcast series in which we interview leading scientists about the latest in neuroscience and neurotechnology. In our inaugural podcast, I had the great fortune of interviewing the brilliant Surya Ganguli, PhD, theoretical neuroscientist from Stanford University. In this fast-paced and science-packed interview, Surya gives his motivation for studying theoretical neuroscience, and

Everyone who has seen the cells that make up the brain knows how intricate and delicate they are, like the finest filigree nature has ever made. As a graduate student in neuroscience, I spent hours upon hours labeling and reconstructing neurons. I so often marveled at their beauty, and thought to myself, someone needs to