Neuroscience 2014 Planning Underway
SfN is hosting Neuroscience 2014 in Washington, DC, this year, where the annual event will be held November 15–19 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Be sure to attend this premier venue for neuroscientists to exchange ideas, network, and learn about the latest developments in the field.
Presidential Special Lecture Series
The Presidential Special Lecture Series features a variety of neuroscientists discussing this year’s theme, “Cells of the Brain.” The following speakers will present their science:
Kelsey C. Martin, MD, PhD, is a professor and chair of biological chemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles and a faculty member at UCLA’s Center for Neurobiological Genetics. Her research focuses on the cell biology of transcription-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity, especially those underlying learning and memory. She will discuss “The Living Record of Memory: Genes, Neurons, and Synapses.”
Gordon J. Fishell, PhD, is a professor and coordinator of the Smilow Neuroscience Program at New York University’s School of Medicine. Fishell researches directed differentiation of ES cells related to cortical interneuron identities toward neuronal replacement strategies. He will present the topic, “The Integration of Interneurons into Cortical Circuits: Both Nurture and Nature.”
Botond Roska, MD, PhD, is a researcher at the Friedrich Meischer Institute at the University of Basel in Switzerland. Roska’s research focuses on understanding the structure and function of retinal degeneration and uses cell type–specific targeting of optogenetic tools to restore photosensitivity to retinas in retinal degeneration. His lecture will focus on “The First Steps in Vision: Computation and Repair.”
Fiona Doetsch, PhD, is an associate professor in the departments of pathology and cell biology, neuroscience, and neurology at Columbia University. Doetsch’s research focuses on the biology of neural stem cells in the adult human brain. She will discuss “Stem Cells in the Brain: Glial Identity and Niches.”
Other Special Lectures
The annual meeting’s special lectures are categorized into the following themes: development; cellular mechanisms; disorders of the nervous system; sensory and motor systems; integrative systems; cognition and behavior; and novel methods and technology development. Special lectures give attendees the opportunity to delve further into specific topics related to the above themes. Some of the special lectures will include discussions on the following topics:
The Sensory Neurons of Touch: David D. Ginty, PhD, will discuss morphological and physiological features of LTMRs and the organizational logic of LTMR projections and circuits in the CNS.
Exocytosis of Synaptic Vesicles — A Molecular Perspective: Reinhard Jahn, PhD, will discuss new insight on the mechanisms that specialized proteins, such as synaptotagmins and complexins, mediate membrane fusion at the synapse.
The Glymphatic System and Its Possible Roles in CNS Diseases: Maiken Nedergaard, MD, DMSc, will discuss how the glymphatic system represents a novel and unexplored target for treatment of neurological diseases.
Learning and Relearning Movement: Amy J. Bastian, PhD, will focus her lecture on normal and abnormal motor learning, and this information can be used to improve rehabilitation for individuals with neurological damage.
What Drives Sleep? Wake Cycles: Identification of Molecules and Circuits in Drosophila: Amita Sehgal, PhD, will discuss how the use of Drosophila has led to the identification of mechanisms that generate a circadian clock and highlight some of the downstream circuitry required for circadian timing of behavior.
Affective Neuroscience of Reward: Limbic Modules for Liking and Wanting: Kent C. Berridge, PhD, will present a lecture on how the neurological differences between “wanting” and “liking” can be applied toward treating addiction disorders.
Nanoscopy with Focused Light: Principles and Applications: Stefan W. Hell, PhD, will discuss the relevance of “nanoscopy” techniques to neuroscience.
Begin Planning Your Trip to DC
These presentations are just a sampling of the numerous lectures, events, and courses planned for this year’s annual meeting.
