the scientific study of the nervous system

• Shagufta Liaqat

  How to manage disk degenerative disease in 21 years old patient?????

  21 yrs old girl having Lumber 4-5 disc degenration with severe sciatic pain...surgery not recomended by surgeons... pain killers no more effective, then how to treat her??
• Stephanie Cadot

  Neuroscience vs. Philosophy : Is free will an illusion?

  A recent article in Nature http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110831/full/477023a.html suggest that free will is an illusion. Wat do you think about it? I think that 1st of all showing somethingA recent article in Nature http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110831/full/477023a.html suggest that free will is an illusion. Wat do you think about it? I think that 1st of all showing something happened in the brain before a conscious decision occurs just shows something we already know: lots of thing happened in our subconscious before we become aware of it. 2nd of all : apparently they average of precision of someone answer is 60% so at best it shows a tendency and nothing like the absence of free will. Who has never felt the urge to so something without any rational reason for it (for instance something we know would be bad for us) and will may do it 2 times out of 3 but sometimes will still manage to decide against it? I think that prove there is intrinsic process into the brain that may push us toward a specific behavior but we still have the free will to do it or not.

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    Alberto Hernández replied

    I would like to commet about your question Smith.. Recently I have been connected in some way with what has been called "Digital Philosophy" that stablish that "reality is a software program run on aI would like to commet about your question Smith.. Recently I have been connected in some way with what has been called "Digital Philosophy" that stablish that "reality is a software program run on a cosmic computer" Fredkin (1990). This "new" view of point stablish that all in the universe is about computation, what could include the mind and of course the decision power or free will. Stephen Wolfram (Physists) would say yes to your question (he claims all in the universe is about computations including the choosing options based on established criteria). In the other hand Descartes (Philosopher) would say that no, it is something from heaven nature. Regarding some last research, i knew that there is some automatic processes (that don't include inttention or free will, lust like the heart pumping) in our brain that gives as a result some more information in the shape of options. When we have options there is "something" that make us to choose one (this is probably the flat version of the free will) that finally could be considered as a reevaluation ot the options and to seach a match against things as "conveniece" or "damage" or "long term efect" or "short term effect". (This last seems to be a deterministic process). This last could be seen as a cold process of evaluation and reevaluation, but the interesting thing comes when we have not options (as the result of the automatic processing), then it could be carried out a process close to be a random choose. There is one last case where -i think- free will get evident: this is when "We WANT to do something" and this last is chained to desires, which is chained with particular configurations of oneself (backgrounds, educations, experiences, traumas and so on) This "Configurations" (or personalities) are very complex. But also we have to take in account the personal perception of reality. For me, free will is a mixture between internal confituration and personal perception of reality, this both are two conceptual sets that intersect one each other when we "want" to do something. The solution of your question as I can see is in the solution of the question (in my personal view point) to stablish the meaning if the concept "to want". (even considering that To want -> free will -> to want -> free will.... is a recursive concept ) The solution for this seemingly paradox has to have the solution on the fact that coplex systems have been considered "deterministc phenomena" from Newtonian physics. But things and understanding has been changed and with discovering of chaos theory now we know shat that was a fact that has not strong basis for reality (the determinism). Is well know (for chaos, catastrophes and dynamic complex systems) that even some behavior of systems are well known and how how it comes manifiest (is produced) that doesn't means that they are dereministic (in the sence you could know what will be the next state taking in account the last or current state). You cant predict what will be the result in the most of the cases of complex systems. As i said before, this is about two sets: personal configuration and perseption of reality (limitations and advantages to perceive the reality) that brings in an infinite of options (such as the number of humans that have existed in all the story of the universe, and that has produced humans unique and different one to each other) and because its complexity comes to be, in excelency, one of the most complex systems tha even being in some way "deterministic" we cannot approach what will be the result. this, is interpretated as "free will". This last would be the mathematical (deteministic) part of the discusion (and unpredictable). The other part is "to want" is that hungry to experince the world, to mach the conception of the world (our personal model of the reality) and experience (we want to transform the world as we want it to be (our personal idea of the world and reality)). And "to have" (like responsability notion,as the parent instict) is another variable to considerate. Finally, my opinion is that the free will is embeded in the same nature of the phenomena, i mean that, the thing that make a complex system -even we (researchers) would considerated it as deterministic y well known- non deterministic. Is that element that we have not descovered that make your mathematical models to be unpredictalbe where the free will is hidden. All univers has that element undescovered. atoms, cells, tussies (accodfint with uncertanly principle of the wautum physics). I reall think free will exists,. Our problem is that we still observing the univers as a machine of exact calculus, something that came to be a falacy: our univers has that element that make it counscient of itself and spread that characteristic to all what it produce, including the human kind by means inf inheritance of characteristics from the quantum level to the most complex systems in it: the human mind for instance

    20 hours ago
• Munvar Shaik

  Why is stroke more common in males and while migraine is more common in females ?

  One of the basic reason behind most of these two diseases is MTHFR polymorphisms and causing higher levels of homocysteine. Might be homocysteine cause NOS which might be causing endothelial injuryOne of the basic reason behind most of these two diseases is MTHFR polymorphisms and causing higher levels of homocysteine. Might be homocysteine cause NOS which might be causing endothelial injury and other complications. But if we see as a whole, the basic principles related to Homocysteine in these pathological conditions almost same but why gender difference ? How Estrogen is really playing here ? it got cardioprotective effect and platlet aggregation inhibitor. but how its functioning in Migraine especially genetically. [PS: I am concentrated only on MTHFR and Homocysteine]

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    Ahed Khatib replied

    Thanks for a nice question. In both cases i do not think these two diseases are sex related. I want to go faraway from this point. I think pathogens may play a role behind the scene and induceThanks for a nice question. In both cases i do not think these two diseases are sex related. I want to go faraway from this point. I think pathogens may play a role behind the scene and induce changes on cellular level that may mediate both diseases.

    1 day ago
• Alireza Nejati

  What work has been done on simulating the statistics of neural networks in the brain?

  I'm especially interested in studies that model the development of neural networks (through migration, growth cone extension, etc.) and compare the statistics of such networks with the statistics ofI'm especially interested in studies that model the development of neural networks (through migration, growth cone extension, etc.) and compare the statistics of such networks with the statistics of real neural networks.

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    Oliver Austen replied

    You should also check out Geoffrey Goodhill's work 'Calcium and cAMP Levels Interact to Determine Attraction versus Repulsion in Axon Guidance' also 'Theoretical Models of Neural Circuit Development'

    1 day ago
• Nichole Scheerer

  Does anyone have a source for wholesale EGI (Electrical Geodesic) Parts?

  We are having issues with the elastic face straps on our EGI caps breaking. We are looking for an alternative to sending them in to be refurbished or buying new caps (both costly). It appears thatWe are having issues with the elastic face straps on our EGI caps breaking. We are looking for an alternative to sending them in to be refurbished or buying new caps (both costly). It appears that the elastic face strap is one piece that can be replaced. If we can find a wholesaler to supply the part we will be set! Any suggestions?

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    Yan H Yu replied

    Just like what Michael suggested, we use thread elastomer to fix the elastic face strap.

    2 days ago
• Shai Porat

  What book/textbooks do you recommend? I am interested in learning more about:

  1. Drugs effects on the brain 2. Alzheimer's and neuroscience 3. Music and the Brain (I read a bunch of oliver sacks and your brain on music) Thanks!

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    Amber N Brown replied

    Memoirs of an Addicted Brain, written by an ex-addict turned neuroscientist.

    2 days ago
• Gillian Ragsdale

  What do mirror neurons mirror when viewing more than one person?

  When one person views a situation with two or more people showing a range of emotions and/or actions, what does the viewer mirror? For example, if person A sees B hurting C, will they necessarilyWhen one person views a situation with two or more people showing a range of emotions and/or actions, what does the viewer mirror? For example, if person A sees B hurting C, will they necessarily mirror the victim, C, - or both somehow, or will that depend on the internal biases of the viewer (which is what I suspect)? Does anyone know of any studies looking at these kinds of situations? I have only come across studies where one viewer mirrors one other. Many thanks for any help.

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    Sergio Kosac replied

    Dear all of you: i heard some researchers here in Argentina, sayng that mirror neurons are an discarded and obsolete concept. They say that it doesnt exist some "area" of mirror n., and that all theDear all of you: i heard some researchers here in Argentina, sayng that mirror neurons are an discarded and obsolete concept. They say that it doesnt exist some "area" of mirror n., and that all the empathy, connection among brians, etc, belongs to the whole cortex activity, as a functional area, nor anatomically defined.Any opinon?, i haven't.

    3 days ago
• Vladimir Miletić

  Neuroscience of decision making

  I've been reading up about the neurobiology of decision making. For me, this a new area of research and I don't know much about it yet, so I apologize in advance if to those of you who know more myI've been reading up about the neurobiology of decision making. For me, this a new area of research and I don't know much about it yet, so I apologize in advance if to those of you who know more my questions seem stupid. I understand how every alternative is being evaluated for potential cognitive and affective implications. I also understand how after a decision has been made its effects are estimated and then compared to what was expected and how this stimulates learning, etc. But information on some steps is missing: (a) What brain regions are associated with generating alternatives? Because, in order to have something to choose from, we first have to generate some alternatives - to create 2, 3, 5... . How is this done in the brain? (b) What structures - and based on what - determine which of the alternatives are chosen? (c) Is there a processing difference in choosing between 5 potential actions and just 2? Comments, assumptions, references... anything is welcome.

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    Michael Feehan replied

    From a patient's perspective. I have Arachnoiditis(ARC) and over the last 12 years have found that my short term memory function has deteriorated. This may be a result of the disease or theFrom a patient's perspective. I have Arachnoiditis(ARC) and over the last 12 years have found that my short term memory function has deteriorated. This may be a result of the disease or the medications I have to take to control the pain and other symptoms, an opiate, an anti-spasmotic and a tricyclic anti-depressant. Having been a manager and administrator for the majority of my previous career I relied upon and was praised by my superiors for my excellent memory being able to recall figures, references, procedures and processes at the drop of a hat. Now I sometimes forget events in minutes, lose track of conversations and simply cannot make decisions in the way that I used to. I also run a support website for ARC with an associated Facebook Page, this short term memory loss can obviously have a deleterioius affect on my work for others when I forget to reply to an email or send material that has been requested, so I have to write endless lists of tasks in order to ensure that I remember my commitments. It is frightening, frustrating and can very often lead to tears and/or anger, so it absolutely doesn't just affect me but those who love and care for me too; distress is an appropriate descriptor but somehow does not sound strong enough. The irony of the situation is that I may lose track of the contents of a paper I have just read but remember it completely weeks later.

    3 days ago
• Luke Liu

  Does NMDA receptor lose its function in primary neuron culture?

  Somebody told me that in embryonic neuron culture, NMDAR will keep its function because the neuron can proliferate, but in neonatal or adult culture, they lose function, is that true? Thanks inSomebody told me that in embryonic neuron culture, NMDAR will keep its function because the neuron can proliferate, but in neonatal or adult culture, they lose function, is that true? Thanks in advance!

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    Christopher N Connolly replied

    I agree totally with those above. NMDARs mature as normal and you do not need to use embryonic cultures. P1-3 (hippocampal/cortical) or ~P6 (cerebellar granule nuerons) work really well. You can useI agree totally with those above. NMDARs mature as normal and you do not need to use embryonic cultures. P1-3 (hippocampal/cortical) or ~P6 (cerebellar granule nuerons) work really well. You can use them after 10-30 days (but obviously select a smaller window) and they last even longer.

    3 days ago
• Andy Greenspan

  Blatant Falsification of Data in a CELL paper! Has anybody seen this yet? Not much is being done about it within the group that authored this paper. What do you think aboutBlatant Falsification of Data in a CELL paper! Has anybody seen this yet? Not much is being done about it within the group that authored this paper. What do you think about this? http://autismresearchers.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/image-data-falsification-in-a-cell-paper/
• Naseer Bhat

  what is consciousness? What is its nature and origin?

  Consciousness

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    Graeme Smith replied

    His notation, makes certain types of calculus easier to do, it also caused me some very real problems before I understood that dx/dy was not a fraction. It's just that simplicity is a sore point withHis notation, makes certain types of calculus easier to do, it also caused me some very real problems before I understood that dx/dy was not a fraction. It's just that simplicity is a sore point with me.

    6 days ago
• Heba Saleh

  I want to know any sites to download free e books or by small fees

  After library.nu shout down i couldn't download any books in my study

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    Heba Saleh replied

    Thanks a lot for all

    7 days ago
• Munvar Shaik

  Is anyone working on Migraine genetics?

  I need a collaboration with the people who are working on Migraine genetics especiallay ESR1.

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    Ricardo de Abajo replied

    If you want to know more about ESR1 and migraine, check NASK, our neuroscience knowledge portal where you are going to find information about genes and disease brain related. This is the urlIf you want to know more about ESR1 and migraine, check NASK, our neuroscience knowledge portal where you are going to find information about genes and disease brain related. This is the url http://as1.brain-dynamics.es:8080/nask2/welcome.htm For more information, don't hesitate contact me.

    7 days ago
• Ming FU

  What is the most influential factor that may affect synaptic formation? What is the most sensitive marker to assess synaptic formation?

  We normally focus on the enteric nervous system development; however our recent transgenic mice showed some abnormalities on synaptic formation. The antibody I used to look at the synaptic formationWe normally focus on the enteric nervous system development; however our recent transgenic mice showed some abnormalities on synaptic formation. The antibody I used to look at the synaptic formation is Synaptotagmin. In the mutant one, Synaptotagmin is sometimes trapped in the neuronal cell body, I have no idea if it is associated with synaptic formation or axonal transition.

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    Ming FU replied

    Hi Javier, many thanks I will try.

    9 days ago
• Carlos Felfoldi

  Could NF-kB be the root cause of all non-communicable diseases?

  William Davidson posted a compelling theory about how non-communicable diseases are being caused by chronic, aberrant activation of an immune system 'master molecule', called NF-kB. The theory is oneWilliam Davidson posted a compelling theory about how non-communicable diseases are being caused by chronic, aberrant activation of an immune system 'master molecule', called NF-kB. The theory is one of the first that seems to line up and connect things in a logical manner instead of the disjointed theories about the respective ailments mentioned. http://imdtheory.blogspot.com/ What are folks opinion on this?