Inmed Journal

INMED, Research and Development Center

2008-01-30T07:05:00.001-08:00

"I am convinced that a triple approach will dominate research in Neurosciences: recording, visualizing and the use of intact preparations, which bear relevance to physiological and pathophysiological reality."

Yehezkel BEN-ARI
Director

The research aims of INMED is to study brain development, plasticity and brain disorders that are often initiated during brain maturation -- notably epilepsies, ischemic strokes, Parkinson's disease, ALS and other major neurological disorders. This includes studies on synaptic efficacy in various conditions, alterations produced with relevant animal models and human material. A particularly prominent aspect of research is devoted to the effects of environmental insults in-utero on brain development and its end function in adults.

How do early events affect the development? What is the role of genes and environment in the construction of the brain? It is clear that the extensive studies made on the more genetic aspects of neurosciences will now require the development of a more integrated post-genomic approach, and this can only be promoted by putting together experts in integrated physiology and pathology. A particularly important effort will also be made in understanding the
development of the brain in sub-human primates, as this offers the possibility of developing more suitable animal models of various diseases.

INMED is one of the largest neuroscience centers of the French Medical Research Council (INSERM). The original unit was founded in 1986 in Paris when Yehezkel Ben-Ari was nominated head of an INSERM unit in the maternity hospital or Port Royal (Paris). Initially composed of very few researchers (Enrico Cherubini, Jean-Luc Gaiarsa , Alfonso Represa and a few others) the team was studying temporal lobe epilepsies with the discovery of the kainate model of epilepsies- and brain development using almost exclusively electrophysiological and anatomical techniques.

In the following decade, the unit enlarged considerably with the venue of over 15 permanent researchers competent in very different domains, including molecular biology, immuno-cytochemistry, electron microscopy, biophysical studies and dynamic imaging techniques. The domains of research also widened with the inclusion of brain maturation and the developmental sequences, role of GABA, mechanisms of cell death and role of apoptosis, brain oscillations, long term potentiation and alterations of synaptic efficacy, long term consequences of epileptic seizures and ischemic insults, imaging networks and neurons, identification of neuronal types and their role in pattern oscillations etc. The key words were and still are "the use of up-to-date recording techniques in physiologically and pathologically relevant preparations in order to determine the functional significance and pathogenicity of neuronal networks".

In 1999, we decided together - all of the permanent researchers of the lab over 30 researchers, technicians and their families - to migrate to Marseille, construct an institute with a strong aim of installing the INMED approach to basic science but also generate novel efforts to reduce the gaps between science and society. To this purpose, INMED was constructed with the following guidelines.

i) An institute composed of an integrative physiology that put at its centre the use of imaging, electrophysiology, complex in vitro preparations that are relevant to the physiological and pathological conditions in situ, mathematical tools to analyse networks, and the techniques of genetic transfections and Kos/ Kins used to serve the aims of understanding integrative functions;

ii) Biotech companies on site to foster interactions between basic and applied neuroscience --two companies are installed, including one that develops novel neuroprotectives agents based on the apoptotic mechanisms studied in INMED, and second one specialized in transfection techniques;

iii) A novel teaching approach to high schools students. Inspired by a school developed by Y Parnass in Jerusalem -- The 'Hippocampus' project brings students (15-17 years old ) to a specialised part of the institute to do experiments during periods of 3 days. The experiments -in genetics, immunology and neurosciences- are up to date ones with the best tools and equipments required and are non dogmatic in that the students debate as to the best way to answer a given question, before doing the experiments and presenting their results to the community. The overwhelming success of this initiative is reflected by the fact that the time table is overbooked for years ahead and classes from far away are on the waiting list for 2006-2007;

iv) The DNA school of the region is also hosted in the institute. It brings both young and adults (including the handicapped) to learn basic molecular biology techniques;

v) A summer high school for medial students is in formation. It will host 24 interns this summer for 9 days to do experiments in the domains of epilepsies. Other topics will be selected in coming years (Parkinson's, ALS, cerebrovascular disorders etc.) The school is sponsored by INSERM and GSK. INMED will also be a centre of formation of clinicians in basic research as well as a regional centre of Neuroscience devoted to developing the ties with Mediterranean countries;

vi) The organisation of international meetings in La Ciotat - a small town close to Marseille and INMED located on a nice sea shore. These annual meetings are now organised for 4 years and bring together 250 speakers and participants to debate on important topics (Nature and Nurture in Brain development, The multiple facets of GABAergic synapses and for 2005 Nature and Nurture in neurological disorders) see website. Organized in early September, the meeting is cosponsored by TINS with a special issue annually devoted to the meeting.

Facilities:

The Institute is composed of the scientific laboratories over 3000 m2 including a large space available to host new teams, a common part (technical facilities, animal house, library, computing facilities, conference room, administration, etc.), biotech companies (400m2) , DNA and Hippocampus schools, etc.

Equipment include all the tools required for Confocal (Olympus) and two photon microscopy (a Zeiss and a Labvision biotech), 15 setups for in vitro patch (blind, visual etc;) and field recordings, set ups for in vivo recordings and video-microscopy & imaging, equipments required for molecular biology, in vivo and invitro transfections, cloning etc, transgenic facilities are available on site, anatomy including all the required tools for immunocytochemistry, neuronal reconstruction, culture (slices, dissociated cells, co cultures, etc..), preparations of intact hippocampi and cortices, triple chambers, cold and machine rooms, P2,

Arts and site

INMED was constructed by a well known architect - Snohetta from Norway - who also constructed the famous library of Alexandria and amongst other projects is constructing the museum of the Twin tower project, the turner museum in England, the Opera of Oslo etc.

The site is spectacular at walking distance form some of the most fabulous beaches in Europe - the famous calanques - and within a campus re-known for its site and surrounding forest and hills.

INMED has a permanent collection of sculptures and paintings and temporary exhibits of art work. Read more about artists - Svetlana BOGATYR, Antanas MONCYS, Pierre De GRAUW, and SNOHETTA

Inmed Research Teams

2008-01-30T07:03:00.000-08:00

For updated INMED publications, click here

Teams, in alphabetic order:

Team : Generation and propagation of seizures in the developing brain and their consequences
Leaders: Y.Ben-Ari & Yuri Zilberter

Team : Molecular physiology of receptor-operated ion channels
Leader: P. Bregestovski

Team : Morpho-functional Structure of Hippocampal GABAergic Networks
Leader: R. Cossart, V. Crepel,

Team : Synaptic activity and maturation of neuronal network
Leader: J.L. Gaiarsa

Team : Oscillations in basal ganglia
Leader: C. Hammond

Team : Early activity in the developing brain
Leader: R. Khazipov

Team : Molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal cell death
Leader: S. Krantic

Team : Activity-dependent synapse formation
Leader: I. Medina

Team : From Neurogenesis to synaptogenesis in maturing hippocampus
Leader: A. Represa

Avenir Group: Maturation and plasticity of cortical maps
Ingrid Bureau

Oxytocin might play a role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder

2007-03-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

Oxytocin improves "mind-reading" in humans
The ability to "read the mind" of other individuals, that is, to infer their mental state by interpreting subtle social cues, is indispensable in human social interaction. The neuropeptide oxytocin plays a central role in social approach behavior in nonhuman mammals. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject design, 30 healthy male volunteers were tested for their ability to infer the affective mental state of others using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) after intranasal administration of 24 IU oxytocin. RESULTS: Oxytocin improved performance on the RMET compared with placebo. This effect was pronounced for difficult compared with easy items. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that oxytocin improves the ability to infer the mental state of others from social cues of the eye region. Oxytocin might play a role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder, which is characterized by severe social impairment. Source: Biol Psychiatry 2007 Mar 15, 61(6): 731-3

Neuronal Plasticity and Meditation

2007-03-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

Meditation might change the brain anatomically
Neuronal plasticity, the ability of neurons in the brain to change in response to experience, has been one of the most exciting discoveries in neuroscience. For a long time it was believed that only the young brain can undergo such structural changes. However, recent findings have shown that the adult brain can also grow, reorganize and form new connection between neurons. Thus, the research on neuroplasticity points to the brain as a growing organ that responds structurally not only to the demands of the external environment, but also to internally generated states, including aspects of consciousness. As such, neuroplasticity may further elucidate the effectiveness of the techniques like meditation, which human cultures have developed over the centuries in order to optimize our state of being. Source: neuroreport.com

News tips from the Journal of Neuroscience

2007-03-15T04:38:00.000-07:00

Novel Salamander Robot A Useful Tool For Neurobiology
A group of European researchers has developed a spinal cord model of the salamander and implemented it in a novel amphibious salamander-like robot. The robot changes its speed and gait in response to simple electrical signals, suggesting that the distributed neural system in the spinal cord holds the key to vertebrates' complex locomotor capabilities.

Neuroiscience News

2007-02-20T02:26:00.000-08:00

1. An Anti-Apoptotic Action of Glia Lipoproteins
Hideki Hayashi, Robert B. Campenot, Dennis E. Vance, and Jean E. Vance

Apolipoprotein E (apoE), an apolipoprotein contained in lipoproteins secreted by CNS glia, is perhaps best known because its ├е4 allele is a risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. This week, Hayashi et al. outline a signaling pathway by which these apoE-containing lipoproteins can inhibit apoptosis. The authors induced apoptosis in cultured rat retinal ganglion cells by removing trophic factors from the media. Glia-conditioned media or glia-secreted lipoproteins protected neurons from apoptosis. Protection specifically required apoE and was blocked either by receptor-associate protein, which competes with ligands of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLrs), or by inhibition of the apoE receptor LDLr-related protein (LRP). Downstream of LRP, signaling involved protein kinase C├д, possibly by phosphorylating and inactivating the proapoptotic glycogen synthase kinase-3├в. ApoE3 was more effective in preventing apoptosis than apoE4.

2. Myelination and Remyelination in the Pregnant Mouse
Christopher Gregg, Viktor Shikar, Peter Larsen, Gloria Mak, Andrew Chojnacki, V. Wee Yong, and Samuel Weiss

This week, Gregg et al. report that pregnancy in rats increased myelin-forming oligodendrocytes and myelin formation, an effect the authors attribute to prolactin. In corpus callosum and spinal cord, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) increased in early pregnancy, followed by an increase in oligodendrocytes. Postpartum, pregnancy-generated oligodendrocytes extended processes. There was also an associated increase in myelination of callosal axons. To test the effects of pregnancy on the repair of demyelinating lesions, the authors injected lysolecithin into the spinal cord. Pregnant rats displayed smaller lesions, fewer demyelinated axons, and more remyelinated axons. The prolactin (PRL) receptor, expressed by OPCs, was required for pregnancy-induced OPC proliferation. Furthermore, exogenous PRL administered to virgin rats increased OPC generation and remyelination similar to pregnant rats. The authors suggest that such changes might affect axon function and/or remyelination in situations such as multiple sclerosis.

3. Multisensory Modulation of Auditory Processing
Christoph Kayser, Christopher I. Petkov, Mark Augath, and Nikos K. Logothetis

Putting it all together when it comes to combining information from our senses is usually attributed to "higher" centers in association cortex, yet recent studies suggest that multisensory integration can also occur in primary sensory cortex. This week, Kayser et al. used functional magnetic resonance imaging in macaques to examine visual modulation of auditory receptive fields. The authors used sounds of various frequency and bandwidth to stimulate "core" (primary auditory) and "belt" (nonprimary auditory) fields. In anesthetized animals, most fields were activated only by auditory stimuli, but some areas responded just to visual stimuli. Combined auditory and visual stimuli produced enhanced responses particularly in caudal fields. In awake animals, too, visual and auditory stimuli activated overlapping fields including those in the core. Visual activation and audiovisual enhancement also occurred in the caudal parts of the so-called parabelt. Characteristic of sensory integration, enhancement was stronger for less effective stimuli.

4. Reelin and the Hippocampus, after Status Epilepticus
Chao Gong, Tsu-Wei Wang, Holly S. Huang, and Jack M. Parent

Temporal lobe epilepsy in humans is associated with abnormal lamination of the dentate gyrus and ectopic hilar location of some dentate granule cells (DGCs). Similar changes are seen in rodent models of hippocampal epilepsy. This week, Gong et al. provide evidence that this abnormal distribution of DGCs results from deficient signaling by the secreted guidance factor Reelin. Reelin immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus was reduced after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in adult rats. The authors ascribed this loss to the death of Reelin-expressing inhibitory interneurons, a principal source of Reelin in the adult. In mouse dentate gyrus explants cultured in a gel matrix, progenitor cells migrated in chains. Exogenous Reelin caused cell detachment and disruption of the migratory chains, consistent with a direct effect of Reelin on the migration of DGC progenitors.

Public release date: 20-Feb-2007

Contact: Sara Harris
sharris@sfn.org
202-962-4000
Society for Neuroscience

Temporal lobe stimulations and seizures

2007-02-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

The dreamy state: hallucinations of autobiographic memory evoked by temporal lobe stimulations and seizures
Using results from cortical stimulations, as well as the symptoms of spontaneous epileptic seizures recorded by stereoelectroencephalography we re-studied the phenomenon of the dreamy state. A total of 15 sensations of déjà vécu, 35 visual hallucinations consisting of the image of a scene and 5 'feelings of strangeness' occurred. These were recorded during 40 stimulations in 16 subjects, and 15 seizures in 5 subjects. Forty-five per cent of dreamy states were evoked by stimulation of the amygdala, 37.5% by the hippocampus and 17.5% by the para-hippocampal gyrus. During both spontaneous and provoked dreamy state, the electrical discharge was localized within mesial temporal lobe structures, without involvement of the temporal neocortex. Early spread of the discharge to the temporal neocortex appeared to prevent the occurrence of the dreamy state. Semiological analysis showed a clinical continuity between déjà vécu and visual hallucinations, the latter often consisting of a personal memory that was 'relived' by the subject; such memories could be recent, distant or from childhood. With one exception, the particular memory evoked differed from one seizure to another, but were always drawn from the same period of the subject's life. Given the role of the amygdala and hippocampus in autobiographic memory, their pathological activation during seizures may trigger memory recall. This study of the dreamy state is in keeping with other evidence demonstrating the constant and central role of the amygdala and hippocampus (right as much as left) in the recall of recent and distant memories. It demonstrates the existence of large neural networks that produce recall of memories via activation of the hippocampus, amygdala and rhinal cortex.
Source: Brain. 2007 Jan ; 130(Pt 1): 88-99

Single Neuronal Activity during Unstructured Arm Movements

2007-02-14T06:19:00.000-08:00

Tyson N. Aflalo and Michael S. A. Graziano

It comes as no surprise that movements in monkeys are accompanied by single neuronal activity in the motor cortex, but it is less clear which motor parameters are most critical. For example, is it spatial, joint-based, or muscle-based? To get at this question, Aflalo and Graziano let monkeys do their own thing, thus removing the potentially confounding contribution of overly constrained movements in highly trained animals. The authors measured spontaneous arm movements in untrained monkeys using a threedimensional tracking system and recorded from individual neurons in motor cortex. As expected from studies in restrained animals, standard tuning properties of motor cortex neurons were present. Neurons were tuned to multiple movement parameters. The total variance in neuronal activity reflected hand speed (1%), hand direction (8%), complex directional tuning (13%), final hand position (22%), and final arm posture (36%). The authors propose that these rankings reflect the importance of each parameter to arm movements.
Society for Neuroscience

Inmed News in Press Releases

2007-01-30T02:51:00.000-08:00

Dramatic Difference Between Mature and Fetal BrainsNew Findings of Inmed's Researchers - Important Clinical Implications

Studies on Epileptic Activities of the Brain Surprisingly Helped In Better Understanding of Learning and Memory

Why Fetuses & Newborns Make Jerking Movements? Researchers Have the Answer

An Inmed's Article Nominated Number 2 Most-Frequently Cited Article in The Journal of Physiology

Does peer review work?

2007-01-30T02:40:00.000-08:00

"I have frequently done peer reviews of medical articles. I have disagreed vehemently with peer reviews that I have received." - Dr. Robert M. Centor.

Peer review has many problems. We review articles without compensation. Because of that, often one decides not to review an article, just because it is inconvenient.

While we like to think that evaluating a scientific article is simply a logical matter, I can easily argue that I bring biases to my reviews. I have received reviews that did not reflect my science, but rather how the reviewer considers the subject matter.

Much science creates controversy. Whenever there is controversy, people (for after all reviewers are people) take sides. We all know that when we submit an article, we run the risk of having the wrong reviewer. I suspect that I have been the wrong reviewer for some articles. Read the article online

The process of scientific publishingcould be described in terms of such tensions and conflicts,and research into peer review will doubtless draw them out wouldn'texpect it to provide any quick fix however, although I likeEmiliani's suggest for the absolute review system (ARS), inwhich authors review their own work, on the presumption thatthey are the ones most familiar with it. Read the letter to the editors online

Neuroscience Headlines

2007-01-30T02:27:00.000-08:00

Past Inmed Journal Issues

Students affected by winter weather
According to Dr. Philip V. Holmes, an associate professor in the Neuroscience and Behavior Program at the University, people with SAD "show depressed mood, ...

Collegians learn lessons from the past
... it's our job to find where things are flawed and create dialogue to change it," said Vandenbossche, a 21-year-old neuroscience major at Vanderbilt. ...

Medical memos
More than 50 students from 11 area high schools will compete in the bee, which is designed to educate young adults about neuroscience and encourage them to ...

Students take home lessons from recreated Freedom Rides
... itтАЩs our job to find where things are flawed and create dialogue to change it," said Vandenbossche, a 21-year-old neuroscience major at Vanderbilt. ...

Potential protection against failed back surgery syndrome
... generating chronic neuropathic pain - pain produced in the nerves themselves," said UTMB neuroscience and cell biology professor Claire Hulsebosch, ...

Nicotine addiction depends on a healthy insula
Hanna Damasio, co-director of the institute and holder of the Dana Dornsife Chair in Neuroscience, also stressed the difference between habitual and ...

Mushrooms and mysticism
... written by a team at Johns Hopkins Medical School led by the profoundly respectable Roland Griffiths, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, ...

Good food, good mood, good health
... that she could improve the player's mood and metabolism by blending her knowledge of the emerging neuroscience with cutting-edge sports nutrition. ...

Epilepsy News

2007-01-20T02:28:00.000-08:00

Epilepsy Action: It's doodle time again!
The event, which grows bigger each year, raises vital funds for Epilepsy Action and The Neurofibromatosis Association. This yearтАЩs theme is тАШDoodle ...

ROAD TO HIGH LIFE
... Britain's most northerly and souttherly points. The 34-year-old, who has epilepsy, will raise cash for Epilspey Action from his trek, which starts in May.

Fernando Torres, brain-wave graphing
Torres was the neurologist for the group, where people with epilepsy trained for jobs, and helped patients/trainees get control of their seizures. ...

Terminators in your colony soon?
"There are already examples of how electronic chips have been used to help patients with epilepsy and Parkinson's disease," said the Professor. ...

Island robotics teams compete in Manhattan
Staten Island Advance, NY - Jan 28, 2007
The St. Clare's team chose to explore the medical field and find treatments for disorders such as epilepsy and diabetes using nanotechnology. ...

Clinton vows to use grass-roots approach
DesMoinesRegister.com, IA - Jan 28, 2007
More scientific research is needed to find a cure for diseases like epilepsy, Todd said. His 7-year-old son, Adam, has a difficult-to-treat form of the ...

Neurobiology News

2006-12-30T02:29:00.000-08:00

At primate center, monkey dads are nurturers
Ultimately, Mendoza believes the neurobiology of monkey relationships - what's happening in the brain when boy meets girl or when a baby arrives - will ...

The Time It Takes To Reassemble The World
... of different theories have been advanced," says John Reynolds, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Systems Neurobiology Laboratory who led the study. ...

Keeping Your Mind Active May Delay Alzheimer's
The study co-authors were Frank LaFerla, UCI Professor of Neurobiology and Behavior, James McGaugh, UCI Research Professor of Neurobiology and Behavior, ...

Information on the presidential candidates
Master's in neurobiology from the University of Texas-San Antonio. тАв Doctorate in cardiovascular pharmacology from the University of Texas Health Sciences ...

Brains of oldest woman '35 years younger'
On the website of the scientific journal 'Neurobiology of Aging', the neurologists and pathologists at the UMCG reported that the brain of the old woman was ...

The time it takes to reassemble world
... of different theories have been advanced,тАЭ says John Reynolds, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Systems Neurobiology Laboratory who led the study. ...

A tour of the Bodega Marine Laboratory
Ernie Chang, a professor of animal science and neurobiology, physiology and behavior at BML and UC Davis, said, "The residential program makes this ...

Complex Channels: Scientists Discover How Ion Channels Are ...
Neurobiology -- Neurobiology is the study of cells of the nervous system and the organization of these cells into functional circuits that process ...

How to to make a movie about the life of the neurons

2006-11-30T02:50:00.000-08:00

A Butcher, a Baker, a Candlestick Maker

by Anton Ivanov, PhD

One day you decided to make a movie about the life of the neurons in the hard
condition of the culture. So you plane to do a time-lapse recording. Really, it is a
good idea. The movie about neuronal existence is a very amazing show. It gives a lot
of pleasure!!!

What about scientific results? It is more difficult, but a pure
pleasure obtained during experimentation is itself a good result. Before caring out
time-lapse recording you need resolve some amount (roughly one hundred) of the
technical problems. One of these is the solution to perfuse you culture during
recording. I wrote "to perfuse" because if you plane a recording of few hours you
should continuously refresh the external solution to avoid a changes in the solution
osmolarity.

The ideal external solution for this purpose is the same that you use to
incubate your cultures, so called Minimum Essential Medium. The ideality of this
solution is only theoretical. First, MEM contains NaHCO3, so to keep pH at
physiological level you need have exactly 5% of CO2 in the MEM and in the
environment arounding the recording chamber with the culture. This requires some
supplementary equipment. Second, the MEM contains phenol red that is auto
fluorescent and makes impossible the recording of the fluorescent cells.

There are some other reasons that make difficult (i.e. impossible) the using of MEM for
time-lapse. Such difficulties brought me to the decision to cook myself an
extracellular solution for time-lapse. I refused to use CO2. In fact, the neurones
(cortical or hippocampal from embryonic or newborn rats) need CO2 at hight (5%)
concentration only during first four days of their development in the dissociated
cultures (Brewer and Price 1996). So, if you work with more adult culture the
ambient concentration of CO2 is sufficient. As pH buffer I have chosen a HEPES/HEPES
Na. This buffer is stable at temperature from 25° up to 37°, i.e. pH remains within
physiological range (7.2-7.4). In all others aspects I tried to mimic the hibernate
solution proposed by Brewer and Prince that I yet cited above.

I have used the inorganic salts that I normally use for extracellular solutions for patch-clamp
recording (mM): 140 NaCl, 2.5 KCl, 2 CaCl, 2 MgCl, 20 D-glucose, 10 HEPES/HEPES Na.
I have supplemented this sauce with essential amino acids (11130 Life Technologies),
vitamins (BME 100x, B6891 SIGMA), B27 diluted 1000 fold (Invitrogen), 1mM Sodium
Pyruvat, 1 mM Glutamine, 0,01 mM Glycine and water of course. To be sure that at
recording temperature (abouve 30°C) the pH will good you have to prepare a
HEPES/HEPES Na buffer separately, at higher concentration, to warm it up to 30-32
degrees and to adjust a pH with HEPES or HEPES Na.

In such solution hippocampal
dissociated cultures survived 5 days(I didn't try more) in thermostat at 35°C
without CO2, from 13DIV to 17DIV and I did not find that they differed from theirs
colleagues resided in MEM based medium in CO2 humidified incubator. Using this
extracellular medium I succeeded in recording of the dendrite motility, apparition
and disappearance of the spines, I saw the lateral diffusion of something
fluorescent coupled with NR2B subunits of the NMDA receptors. So it woks.

Epilepsy News

2006-10-30T02:30:00.000-08:00

Back on the ball
It was the league icon's second on-air incident of its type in two weeks and prompted Lewis to go public with his epilepsy. Nine communications manager Paul ...

Epilepsy Drug Helps Parkinson Tremors
Researchers discover a drug used to treat epilepsy can significantly improve tremors, motor fluctuations, and other involuntary movements, or dyskinesias, ...

Investigation into cat's eyes epilepsy 'link'
It added that the studs might need to be placed further apart after epilepsy sufferer Rebecca Jasiczak, 17, said the studs had had a strobing effect and had ...

Emerging Research Fronts

2006-06-30T03:04:00.000-07:00

Neuroscience & Behavior - Hippocampal neuron damage in epilepsy.

HUMAN TEMPORAL LOBE EPILEPSY; REPEATED BRIEF SEIZURES INDUCE PROGRESSIVE HIPPOCAMPAL
NEURON LOSS; TEMPORAL SCLEROSIS

Source: esi-topics.com

6th INMED-TINS CONFERENCE

2006-06-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

5th to 8th September 2007

Basic science is more than ever at the center of intense efforts to translate its discoveries in novel treatments.

Our next annual INMED/TINS meeting will be devoted to this issue with presentations and debates on questions that we are all asking:

Are gene and cell therapies promising solutions to neurological disorders in the near future? How to use the abundant information produced by genetic advances in a therapeutic perspective? How to develop new treatments for spinal chord injuries? Parkinson? Epilepsies? Developmental disorders?

We shall bring together basic scientists, clinicians and drugs developers to critically review the reasons for the gaps between basic science and new treatments and how to reinforce the dialogue between the key players. As in our previous meetings, stimulating discussions between experts form different disciplines are the core of the meeting.

Inscription fees have been reduced to a maximum and include lunches. Cheap hostels are available in La Ciotat but it is highly recommended to make arrangements early on. The small town is extremely agreeable with an excellent weather and the meeting is on the port and beaches â€¦

Neural Stem Cells: Principles, Prospects and Problems
Gene and Cell Therapy: How do we go forward?
Parkinson's Disease
The Epilepsies
Developmental Disorders
Translating Basic Science to Treatments

Past conferences

La Ciotat 2006 , program
La Ciotat 2006, presenters
La Ciotat 2005
Lecture Abstracts

Speakers (click here to read about the speakers)

Alvarez-Buylla A, Ben-Ari Y, Brundin P, Cardoso C, Coulter D,

Delalande O, Dobyns WB, Pombo-Villar E, Filbin MT, Guerrini R, Heinemann U, Jensen F, Kordower F, Kriegstein A, Lindvall O, Lledo PM, LoTurco JJ, Löscher W, Maden M, Mandel G, Rakic P, Raybaud C, Staley K, Steward O, Stritmatter S, Svendsen CN, Westbrook G.

Contacts

Phone: + 334 91 82 81 03
Email: Ciotat2007@inmed.univ-mrs.fr

Registration Form for 6th INMED/TINS Conference: download as a pdf file

To register online, click here

Program for 6th INMED/TINS Conference: click here or download as a pdf file

Neuroscience 2007, La Ciotat, Mediterranean

2006-06-15T03:14:00.000-07:00

Basic science is more than ever at the center of intense efforts to translate its discoveries in novel treatments. Our next annual INMED/TINS meeting will be devoted to this issue with presentations and debates on questions that we are all asking: Are gene and cell therapies promising solutions to neurological disorders in the near future? How to use the abundant information produced by genetic advances in a therapeutic perspective? How to develop new treatments for spinal chord injuries? Parkinson? Epilepsies? Developmental disorders?

We shall bring together basic scientists, clinicians and drugs developers to critically review the reasons for the gaps between basic science and new treatments and how to reinforce the dialogue between the key players. As in our previous meetings, stimulating discussions between experts form different disciplines are the core of the meeting.

Inscription fees have been reduced to a maximum and include lunches. Cheap hostels are available in La Ciotat but it is highly recommended to make arrangements early on. The small town is extremely agreeable with an excellent weather and the meeting is on the port and beaches …

Sections:

Neural Stem Cells: Principles, Prospects and Problems
Gene and Cell Therapy: How do we go forward?
Parkinson's Disease
The Epilepsies
Developmental Disorders
Translating Basic Science to Treatments

Speakers

Alvarez-Bulla A, Ben-Ari Y, Brundin P, Cordoso C, Coulter D,

Delalande O, Dobyns WB, Pombo-Villar E, Filbin MT, Guerrini R, Heinemann U, Jensen F, Kordower F, Kriegstein A, Lindvall O, Lledo PM, LoTurco JJ, Löscher W, Maden M, Mandel G, Rakic P, Raybaud C, Staley K, Steward O, Stritmatter S, Svendsen CN, Westbrook G.

How to peer review

2006-05-30T02:42:00.000-07:00

DAVID MOHER, ALEJANDRO R JADAD

Peer review is an activity central to increasing the quality of communication in
the health sciences, but almost no formal or standardised training for peer
reviewers exists. In this chapter we provide a series of practical tips on how
to peer review a manuscript and write the report based on the evidence from
published research that is summarised elsewhere in this book, and on our
combined experience of reviewing for approximately 30 journals. Overall, we
believe that the best way to increase the quality of peer reviewing would be to
conduct such reviews based on up to date evidence – an approach we call
evidence-based peer review. Download the article

How to survive peer review

2006-05-30T02:41:00.000-07:00

Wager E, Godlee F, Jefferson T.

(Excerpt)

If a reviewer has completely misunderstood your work, or
overlooked a crucial feature, you can discuss this with the
editor and request another review. If your paper has been
rejected after in-house review you could request external
review, but this may be a waste of time if the editor is
convinced that your work is not suited to the journal.
If you have not had a response for several months, check
whether the journal publishes target response times. If you
haven’t heard within the target period, contact the journal
office and ask what is happening.

Editors usually remove stinging criticism or personal
invective before reviews are sent to authors. If you receive a
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The Face of Controversy

2006-03-30T02:47:00.000-08:00

Neuroscientists have long puzzled over whether our brains process and represent information according to modules (precise brain areas respond to separate and specific stimuli) or in a distributed fashion (different brain areas cooperate to represent the same stimulus). In an enlightening Perspective, Cohen and Tong discuss two fascinating neuroimaging studies that identify areas of the human brain that represent the perception of human faces and other parts of the human body (Downing et al., Haxby et al.). As the Perspective authors explain, one group invokes modularity and the other group invokes distributed representation to explain their results, raising the debate about modularity versus distributed representation to new heights. Full Article online

Dr. Gordon Sherman Explains How Neuroscience Helps Demystify Dyslexia

Why do controversy and confusion often surround dyslexia? Partly because the work of the researchers, educators, and evaluators concerned with dyslexia often rests on inference — inferred assumptions about normal and atypical brain development and function.

Historically, to investigate the structure and neurophysiological function of brains, neuroscientists rely on the examination of brains obtained at autopsy or on studies of patients during neurosurgery. To understand learning and learning disabilities, clinicians and educators rely on closely observed behavior patterns. Scientists, clinicians, and educators study neural tissue or behaviors to infer what the brains of their patients, subjects, or students actually do in normal living and learning conditions.

The case for supporting the Dalai Lama's appearance has been made, with an online petition supporting the invitation of the Buddhist religious leader. The new petition has been by neuroscientist and autism researcher Matthew Belmonte.

Should reviewers of papers have their names published?

2006-03-30T02:38:00.000-08:00

"I dare publishers to go one step further: publish a list ofall papers received and rejected at peer review, with the namesof the reviewers. This would ensure the highest quality of peer-review,greater transparency, and a sense of justice for authors ofrejected papers. I would then be interested to see if such paperseventually find a home, and in what form." -- Akheel A Syed Read the letter to the editors online

NEUROSCIENCE & BEHAVIOR Top 3 papers in March 2006

2006-03-25T02:43:00.000-08:00

Title: Hereditary Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease Caused By Mutations In Pink1
Authors: Valente Em; Abou-Sleiman Pm; Caputo V; Muqit Mmk; Harvey K; Gispert S; Ali Z; Del Turco D; Bentivoglio Ar; Healy Dg; Albanese A; Nussbaum R; Gonzalez-Maldonaldo R; Deller T; Salvi S; Cortelli P; Gilks Wp; Latchman Ds; Harvey Rj; Dallapiccola B; Auburger G; Wood Nw
Source: Science 304 (5674): 1158-1160 May 21 2004
Citations: 140

Title: Revised Nomenclature For Avian Telencephalon And Some Related Brainstem Nuclei
Authors:: Reiner A; Perkel Dj; Bruce Ll; Butler Ab; Csillag A; Kuenzel W; Medina L; Paxinos G; Shimizu T; Striedter G; Wild M; Ball Gf; Durand S; Guturkun O; Lee Dw; Mello Cv; Powers A; White Sa; Hough G; Kubikova L; Smulders Tv; Wada K; Dugas-Ford J; Husband S; Yamamoto K; Yu J; Siang C; Jarvis Ed
Source: J Comp Neurol 473 (3): 377-414 May 31 2004
Citations: 110

Title: Inclusion Body Formation Reduces Levels Of Mutant Huntingtin And The Risk Of Neuronal Death
Authors: Arrasate M; Mitra S; Schweitzer Es; Segal Mr; Finkbeiner S
Source: Nature 431 (7010): 805-810 Oct 14 2004
Citations: 95

Neuroscience News

2006-01-01T02:30:00.000-08:00

Neuroscience Group to relocate
By November, the Neuroscience Group of Northeast Wisconsin expects to move from the Theda Clark campus in Neenah to a new ...

News Tips From The Journal Of Neuroscience
This week, Bauer et al. combined voltage-clamp recordings with membrane capacitance measurements to examine modulation of secretion in bovine chromaffin ...

PTSD Patients Have Diminished Pain Response
Elbert Geuze, of Central Military Hospital and the Rudolph Magnus Institute of Neuroscience in the Netherlands, and colleagues examined pain processing in ...

AstraZeneca wants big increase in its number of scientific projects
The company's researchers in Fairfax focus on research and development of neuroscience drugs to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Northstar Neuroscience Awarded US Patent for Cortical Stimulation ...
Northstar Neuroscience, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing and commercializing innovative neurostimulation therapies to restore function ...

Telemedicine aids Big Isle stroke patients
The Queen's Medical Center's Neuroscience Institute recently received a $727000 federal grant to acquire equipment so Queen's doctors can remotely assess ...

SCIENCE THE BRAIN Mind Games
But if traditional neuroscience is disturbing, the really creepy stuff is on the horizon, reports neuroscientist Richard Restak in The Naked Brain. ...

Brain Studies Reveal The Mechanisms Of The Voluntary Control Of ...
Grent-'t-Jong is a research associate at Duke's Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and a graduate student in psychopharmacology at the University of Utrecht ...

Bisexual Fruit Flies Show New Role For Neurochemical
The findings were reported in the Journal of Neuroscience. Featherstone's co-authors are Ph.D. student Hrvoje Augustin, post-doctoral researchers Yael ...

2005-12-30T02:45:00.000-08:00

2005 controversy

Beginning in 2005, the Society for Neuroscience began its new Dialogues between Neuroscience and Society lecture series. The keynote address for this new series was given by His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama, and approximately 14,000 people attended the talk. In response to the announcement of this lecture over 600 signatures were gathered in protest of a religious leader giving a lecture at a scientific meeting.

The case for supporting the Dalai Lama's appearance has been made, with an online petition supporting the invitation of the Buddhist religious leader. The new petition has been by neuroscientist and autism researcher Matthew Belmonte (mindhacks.com).

At a recent neuroscience conference, Dalai Lama stressed the need for cooperation between science and religion. "By invoking fundamental ethical principles, I am not advocating a fusion of religious ethics and scientific inquiry,” he said at Neuroscience 2005, the Society for Neuroscience’s 35th annual meeting held between Nov. 12 and 16 in Washington, DC.

"Rather, I am speaking of what I call 'secular ethics' that embrace the key ethical principles, such as compassion, tolerance, a sense of caring, consideration of others and the responsible use of knowledge and power — principles that transcend the barriers between religious believers and nonbelievers, and followers of this religion or that religion."

"The line between science and Buddhist conceptions of reality, neuroplasticity etc. is neither here nor there - the scientific community wishes to remain objective and to not concern itself with 'metaphysical' notions. On the other hand, Buddhists (on some level) wish to maintain the legitimacy of their theories IN CONJINCTION with Budhist practices. The Dalai Lama sees connections between modern brain science and the ‘internal’ exploration that Buddhist meditation and cultivated practice can yeild." - neurodudes.com