Neuroscience is a hot topic with lawyers and judges, as recent advances in our understanding of the brain have raised important and unexpected implications for the development and application of legal principles. These implications, however, can sometimes be overstated, which presents a potential for abuse and warrants caution. Senior U. S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, a founding member of the MacArthur Foundation Project on Law and Neuroscience, explores the legal and ethical questions raised as neuroscience enters the courtroom and affects the judicial system.

Sheena Josselyn and Susan Amara share practical ways mentors can encourage women to stay in science in this Q&A adapted from the webinar, “In First Person: Tips to Survive and Excel as a Woman in Neuroscience."

Wendy Suzuki began her neuroscience career studying the hippocampus, but 20 years into her career switched her research focus to examine how exercise affects brain function. She now regularly talks about neuroscience in the public sphere as the host of Transistor, “a transformative STEM podcast;” in her new book, Healthy Brain Happy Life; and delivering TEDx talks. Read here about Suzuki’s insights into the best ways to communicate science and why she does it.

A common question about normal behavior is, “Why do animals sleep?” The actual answer is complex, consisting of explanations related to ecology and evolution, the physiology of homeostasis, and the molecular biology of cells.

Animal rights extremists are becoming more sophisticated by focusing on heavily limiting research through crippling legal ploys. Here are many of their targets and tactics.

Ed Catmull, president of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, spoke about creativity at Neuroscience 2013. Catmull has been at the center of fostering collaborations across artistic and technological disciplines, and has overseen innovative endeavors for more than three decades. Catmull discussed issues central to uncovering genius, including removing hidden barriers to creativity and candor.

To learn more about the human brain, researchers often turn to looking at the brains of other primates, like the Rhesus macaque. Similar to the human brain in both organization and function, non-human primate brains can also be evaluated during tasks requiring complex thought, perception, and decision making.

Learn how to get involved with science policy and advocacy either as a career or as part of a research career. Chris Schaffer talks about AAAS fellowships as a great way to introduce yourself to the world of being a scientist working in the government.

Funding is an essential element of research, and the mechanisms vary as much as the types of research. This workshop addresses what you can do to have a successful application.

You have the power to change a major issue affecting the neuroscience community: a lack of women in the upper ranks of academia.