Each olfactory cortical hemisphere receives ipsilateral odor information directly from the olfactory bulb and contralateral information indirectly from the other cortical hemisphere. Since neural projections to the olfactory cortex are disordered and non-topographic, spatial information cannot be used to align projections from the two sides like in the visual cortex. Therefore, how bilateral information is integrated in individual cortical neurons is unknown. We have found, in mice, that the odor responses of individual neurons to selective stimulation of each of the two nostrils are significantly correlated, such that odor identity decoding optimized with information arriving from one nostril transfers very well to the other side. Nevertheless, these aligned responses are asymmetric enough to allow decoding of stimulus laterality. Computational analysis shows that such matched odor tuning is incompatible with purely random connections but is explained readily by Hebbian plasticity structuring bilateral co...

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.