Neuroscientists have the difficult task of deciphering that incredibly complex mechanism that is the brain. Trillions of nerve cells are produced, grow and organize themselves into effective, functional systems that normally remain in working order throughout a person’s lifetime.

In the past decade, significant discoveries have been made in several areas of brain research. Six of these areas will be briefly discussed here.

1. Genetics

Researchers have identified several disease causing genes, which are key factors in the development of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and ALS. This allows insights into underlying disease mechanisms and is beginning to suggest new treatments (see: Future Medicine: Cell and Gene Therapy). The mapping of the human genome has greatly aided in rapidly identifying significant genes.

2. Brain Plasticity

The molecular basis of neuronal plasticity (the ability of the brain to undergo changes in reaction to new experiences) is beginning to be uncovered. This sheds light on processes such as learning and memory and how a decline in these functions might be reversed. Furthermore, the discoveries in this field led to new approaches to the treatment of chronic pain.

3. Neuropharmacology

A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of therapeutic drugs, has provided a new understanding behind the mechanisms that regulate addiction. These advances have also led to new treatment options for depression and obsessive compulsive disorder.

4. Neuro-imaging

Revolutionary new imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have revealed the brain systems underlying attention, memory and emotion and indicate the dynamic changes that occur in several disorders, for example schizophrenia.

5. Cell Death

Many clinical applications have followed out of the discovery of how and why neurons die, as well out of the discovery of stem cells, which divide and form new neurons. The outlook for reversing injuries in the brain and spinal cord has dramatically improved because of this. The first effective treatments for stroke and spinal cord injury based on these advances have been brought to clinical practice.

6. Brain Development

Newly discovered molecules and principles responsible for guiding the development of the nervous system now give scientists a better understanding of certain disorders occurring in childhood. Together with the discovery of stem cells, these advances are leading to new strategies for helping the brain or spinal cord in regaining functions that have been lost as a result of injury or developmental dysfunction.

It is clear that neuroscience is a vastly expanding field of science. Being a relatively young science, great discoveries are certainly waiting to be made. These will contribute greatly to our understanding of the brain and, by extrapolation, of ourselves.