Researchers from different disciplines share information to advance knowledge in neuroscience

Neuroscience is a new discipline devoted to the systematic understanding of brain functions like sensations, motor functions, learning, memory, attention, pleasure, reward, decision-making and emotions. In order to delve deeper into neuronal systems for processing information from different points of view like biology and mathematics, B·Debate —an initiative of Biocat and the “la Caixa” Foundation— the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) and the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS) are holding the debate workshops How Mind Emerges from Brain: a View into the Future on 12 and 13 July in Barcelona.

In recent years, neuroscience has experienced an important transformation thanks to scientific breakthroughs like the development of high-resolution medical imaging technology to study brain structure and activity, as well as the application of new molecular tools.

Under the scientific leadership of doctors Mara Dierssen, director of the CRG Neurobehavioral Phenotyping of Mouse Models of Diseases Research Group, and Maria V. Sánchez-Vives, research professor at IDIBAPS, a group of international experts from different fields of science will explain the latest research studies being conducted and how they can influence future knowledge in neuroscience and its applications in our every-day lives.

Two of the most noteworthy speakers are Richard Mooney and Christian Broberger. Mooney, PhD from Duke University in North Carolina (United States), will discuss the research he is carrying out to understand the neuronal mechanisms of learning through which the sensory experience of behavior is developed. He is currently working on a project that explores the structure and function of motor circuits for oral communication in songbirds and auditory and oral systems in mice. Christian Broberger, PhD from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm (Sweden), will focus his presentation on his research to clarify the characteristics of the structure and function of neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus and the connections with the cerebral cortex underlying basic functions of survival like reproduction, food intake and the transition between sleep and wakefulness. Among other projects, his team is working on research into the cell mechanisms produced by activity in the rhythmic network of the neuroendocrine system that controls the release of prolactin and reproduction.

• Press release (11/7/2012)

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