Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system. It encompasses a wide array of topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, genetics, and psychology. Neuroscientists strive to understand how nerve cells detect and process information from the environment, how memories are formed, how emotions are regulated, and how disorders such as autism, anxiety, depression, and addiction develop. Through a combination of clinical, experimental, and computational methods, neuroscientists seek to uncover the basic principles of how the nervous system works. At the cellular level, neurons and glial cells are the primary components of the nervous system. Neurons transmit electrical and chemical signals, connecting the brain to the rest of the body. Glial cells provide structural and metabolic support to neurons, helping to regulate neuronal activity and forming the protective, insulating myelin sheath around the nerves. Together, neurons and glial cells create networks of communication and information processing within the brain. To understand how behaviors and diseases arise from the function of the nervous system, neuroscientists use a variety of experimental and imaging techniques. These techniques can measure the electrical activity of neurons, reveal the structure of neural connections, and map the distributions of neurotransmitter molecules. Researchers study the activity of individual neurons and the network systems they form, exploring how specific neurons, pathways, and circuits influence behavior and mental processes. Neuroscience also encompasses translational and clinical research. Neuroscientists partner with medical professionals to investigate how medications and therapies affect neurologic function and possibly modify the course of disorders like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiology is at the heart of many fields, including cognitive science, artificial intelligence, and robotics. By understanding how the nervous system works, researchers can create mathematical models and technologies that interface with the brain.