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James Olds argues that gaining a true understanding of brain structure and function will require neuroscientists to adopt a team-based approach to research and considers some of the challenges that this presents for the field.
Two studies show that cortical feedback and metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 are necessary for the proper refinement of reticulogeniculate synapses during visual system development.
InDrosophila melanogaster, signals of water satiety and hunger converge on interoceptive neurons in the suboesophageal zone that in turn influence water intake and feeding.
The connectivity pattern of the left occipitotemporal cortex of 5-year-olds who cannot yet read can predict where the functionally specific 'visual word form area' will form once the children learn to read.
Axons and dendrites contain distinct complements of membrane proteins, consistent with their different roles in electrochemical signalling. In this Review, Bentley and Banker discuss the intracellular machinery that ensures that axonal and dendritic proteins are accurately targeted to the correct domains.
NMDA receptors that contain GluN3 subunits have several non-conventional properties that set them apart from 'classical' NMDA receptors. Pérez-Otaño and colleagues describe the important roles of these receptors in CNS development and their potential involvement in CNS disease.
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortins have traditionally been proposed to promote stress and stress recovery, respectively. However, recent findings suggest that this view is overly simplistic. Chen and colleagues review evidence showing that CRF-receptor signalling is region- and cell type-specific and influenced by the individual's experience.
Adverse childhood experiences have a wide range of effects on the structure, function and connectivity of the developing brain. Teicheret al. suggest that such changes might reflect adaptive modifications that, in some susceptible individuals, could contribute to psychopathology.