1. NEUROSCIENCEWIN T E R 2010Q U A R T E R L Y Message from the PresidentResearch movesIf We Are Not for Science, Who Will Be for Us?nations forward,The outlook for scientific funding in the year ahead is fraughtwith uncertainty. On one hand, we are living through a time ofgives patients hope,unparalleled scientific opportunity. On the other, we are facingdeep economic stresses and unrelenting competition for limited and directly servesresources. This is a hard truth not just in America, but through- the long-termout the world. health and economicIn these times, there is a demonstrable risk that science will beforced to shelve or delay potentially game-changing progress. needs of all nations. Michael E. Goldberg,SfN President Labs could disband, or turn away the next generations greatminds. It could mean flat or falling employment for the broader Michael E. Goldberg,scientific enterprise scientists, plus the technicians, machinists, administrators, and SfN President support staff who make it all possible. As an SfN member, you have potential to help change this scenario although scientists do not control the federal purse. The answer is sustained communication, advocacy, and action. To be sure, we face tough head winds and a lot of competition. But what will each one of us do today to create a world where flat funding of science is eventuallyIn thIs Issueimpossible? Where every nation strongly invests in science as a force for better knowl- edge and more progress?Continued on page 2 . . . Message from the President ................................ 1 Inside Science: Optogenetics................................ 1 Inside Science SfN Recognizes Leadership in Support of Research............................................. 3 Optogenetics: Researchers Shed Light on Neuron Function Council Round Up: Fall 2009 Meeting ................. 4 SfN Highlights Great Science Funded by the Recovery Act ................................ 5 Inside Science is a new series featur- Q&A: Creating a Unified Voice ing emerging research across the field, for Animal Research ............................................. 6 reflecting SfNs commitment to showcas- ing great science. In each issue, Inside Enhancing Peer Review at NIH ............................ 7 Science explores topics highlighted by Neuroscience 2009 Provespress conferences at SfNs annual meet- a Success with Rich Scientificing. Press conference topics were selected Content in a World-Class City ............................ 10 by SfN volunteer leadership, with input The Journal Implements License to Publish ....... 15from the Program Committee on excep- tional meeting abstracts. In a 1979 article, Francis CrickResearchers described new applications for optogenet- ics during a press conference at Neuroscience 2009. described methods needed by the neuroscience community to crack the mysteries of the brain. He specifically called for technology that could control specific subsets of neurons, leaving the rest of the brain unperturbed. Thirty years later, researchers have answered the call with a technology called optogenetics.Continued on page 8 . . .

2. . . . Message from the President, continued from page 12It is essential that each of us in the science community bebecome self-sustaining. If the Goldberg widget factory getsa messenger for the compelling necessity of science in wayssome ARRA money to retool, it will then make better wid-large and small whether in the halls of national capitols, gets, which more people will buy. In two years, my factorythe aisles of your local supermarket, at your childs school,will be self-sustaining, and my employees will keep theiror in your university centers. jobs and buy widgets produced by others. This will get the economy rolling again.ReseaRch : Making the case foR healthand econoMic gRowthBut the jump-start metaphor doesnt fully describe howIn many ways, this is a perfect time to make the case forscience works. The Goldberg lab, working independentlyscience. President Obama, as well as other national andbut alongside many others, will produce important newglobal leaders, is increasingly vocal about science as a vital ideas and findings. These will form part of the essentialpart of ensuring better health and economic growth, topfoundation for continued scientific exploration as wellpriorities in any national agenda. In the United States, as new targets for health and disease treatments and theCongress and the Administration sent that message loud robust biomedical, biotechnology, and biopharmaceuticaland clear with the American Recovery and Reinvestmentindustries that depend on them. But the lab will never beAct (ARRA) last year. Their forward thinking was a major self-supporting in the sense that the widget factory is. Sci-victory for the innovation enterprise, and the U.S. public ence especially the basic, serendipitous science that hasbroadly supports strong investments in science.been essential to scientific progress and nearly every health breakthrough will always depend on government invest- ment to drive research and discovery on which industry can later capitalize. At such a difficult moment, there are those ARRAs historic infusion in infrastructure, labs, people, who say we cant afford to invest in science, and broadly applicable foundational discoveries will go for naught unless the level of government funding remains that its a luxury at a moment defined by at the ARRA level science is most efficient if it gets consistent investment. That enables our field to increase necessities. I could not disagree more. innovation, advance translation, and spark new basic discoveries, all of which spur new treatments, drug targetsScience is more essential for our prosperity,and pharmaceuticals, jobs, biotechnology applications, and even whole new industries. our security, and our health, andour way of life than it has ever been.Congress and the President face a stark choice: sustain the research momentum of ARRA or let it fall off a cliff. If the President Barack Obamalevel of funding established by ARRA falls to the previous NIH and NSF base, labs will be disbanded, technicians and fellows lose their jobs, and the skills learned and theBut in the face of a budget crisis, some voices are claiming projects begun during the two years of ARRA funding willthat the United States and other nations cannot afford towither. For instance, will we lose the progress that couldfund research at the levels it needs to sustain scientific mo- be made through federally funded research on new IPS cellmentum. Here in the United States, SfN, along with oth-lines, or progress into the basic science of autism, just toers in the community particularly the leading advocacy mention 2 out of 5,000 ARRA-funded grants? Will nationsvoice Research!America is committed to refuting thosechoose to defer scientific potential, slow the translationalclaims and asserting the power of science. We advocate pipeline, and delay development of therapeutics that gener-that nations should increase levels of scientific investment ate hope and economic growth?or make short-term stimulus permanent, especially rightnow. Innovation is an essential part of the team of strong In the immediate term, will we potentially lose high-wagehorses that will pull budgets out of bad times, strengthen jobs in communities nationwide? Estimates suggest ARRAlong-term health and wellness, and create long-term eco- directly created or preserved 50,000 jobs in the Unitednomic vitality.States, in communities across the country. That doesnt include the jobs generated or preserved in support of indus-The basic idea underlying the stimulus package was thattries and companies. In addition, we risk driving away thethe money will jump-start the economy, which will then next generation of scientists who may not see a future for 3. themselves if they do not feel confident about their future underway funded by recovery grants, and is planning anjob prospects and funding.ever larger Capitol Hill Day in March.adding YouR Voice in a united Message While SfN is active in Washington every day, it is YOUR3As scientists, our natural inclination may not be towardvoices that are essential to tell this story. As NIH Directoradvocacy or outreach. But if the research community is notFrancis Collins said at the annual meeting in Chicago, thecapable of picking up this charge, who is?scientific community must communicate to the public andits leaders the compelling value of science. Science needsThe prospect of losing the momentum from ARRA shouldyou talking about the promise of your lab to advance sci-motivate the scientific community to action or we have no ence and improve health, the jobs you create in your labs,claim to disappointment at the outcome. And we must en- the biotech companies your science has helped start, or thegage, even without assurance of victory. If it is going to be promising drug therapies that could be developed throughan uphill battle even if we do mobilize thousands of voices,your molecular targets.I assure you it will be impossible without them.SfN has made it easy for all of us to be involved and bringour messages to the Administration, Congress, and thepublic. Join us! Visit SfNs Web site www.sfn.org/advocacyIf I am not for myself, then who where the Society provides easy-to-use tools to communi-cate with national leaders and guides for getting involvedwill be for me? And if I am onlylocally. If you are active with your SfN chapter, urge THEMto get involved. They can sponsor a congressional lab tour, for myself, then what am I?add references to science funding in Brain Awareness Weekactivities, or join SfN in Washington for Capitol Hill Day. And if not now, when? If you are a recipient of an ARRA grant or supplement, Hilleluse SfNs site at www.sfn.org/recovery to report back to thepublic and policymakers. Then download the pages for youruse and send friends and colleagues to learn more.In Washington, and in capitals around the globe, SfNmember voices can be positive and powerful voices. We can In todays environment, advocacy and communication aretranslate the potential for science showing how budgetour new, permanent obligations. This winter, it is particu-numbers, in black and white, have tremendous value. larly critical as the momentum is so strong, and the poten-tial for lost opportunity so large. But it must also begin toTo be more than a number on a page, we must do a better be infused, fundamentally, into our scientific culture as ajob educating and engaging the public, who will in turn permanent activity. Research moves nations forward, givesreach out to their politicians. SfN has recently launched a patients hope, and directly serves the long-term health andseries of short Recovery Act Stories about the vital research economic needs of all nations. You are the messenger. n sfn Recognizes leadeRship of senatoRs specteR and haRkin To recognize their visionary and unflagging leadership in support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Senators Arlen Specter (D-PA) and Tom Harkin (D-IA) were awarded the 2009 SfN Public Service Award. SfN President-elect Susan Amara, University of Pittsburgh, and Irwin Levitan, Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, presented the award to Sen. Specter on Dec. 10, 2009, in Washington. They also thanked him for his tremendous leadership in securing $10 billion for NIH as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and discussed the outlook for post-ARRA funding. SfN will present the award to SfN President-elect Susan Amara (left) and Irwin Levitan (right) pre- Sen. Harkin in early 2010. n sented the 2009 SfN Public Service Award to Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA). 4. Council Round-Up: Fall 2009 Meeting4 During Neuroscience 2009 in Chicago, the SfN Councilauthor can pay an extra fee to have their published(the Societys governing body) discussed the Societysarticle available to the public immediately. In addition,recent achievements as well as issues facing the organiza-with the implementation of the new License to Publish,tion and the neuroscience community around the world. all third party funding requirements are met for openSummaries of discussions and decisions are below. access allowing additional authors to choose this option.Currently, SfN has a six-month waiting period beforecouncil Meeting with diRectoR collins articles are freely released to the public.Council had the opportunity to meet with the newlyappointed Director of the National Institutes of Health institutional pRogRaM MeMbeR benefits(NIH), Francis Collins, immediately following his pre-As a result of the recent consolidation with the Associa-sentation to the membership at Neuroscience 2009 in tion of Neuroscience Departments and Programs thatChicago. The open dialogue was constructive and identi- created a new SfN membership category of Institutionalfied a number of areas for collaboration. In addition to hisProgram (IP) members, Council approved several new IPmeeting with Council, Director Collins met with a group member benefits for 2010 recommended by the Commit-of postdoctoral fellows to discuss challenges they are facing tee on Neuroscience Departments and Programs (CNDP).in their research, institutions, and careers, and how NIH Among these benefits are reduced member registrationmight be able to assist them with these challenges. fees for the annual spring neuroscience departments andprograms conference, and access to SfNs student and IPcontinuation of nanosYMposiamember lists for communication purposes. A full list of IPIn 2008, the Program Committee decided to create a newmember benefits is available online in the About Member-submission category that expands on the original conceptship section of www.sfn.org.of slide presentations. In the initial year, the nanosymposiaproved to be quite successful and popular among abstractappRoVal of new sfn chapteRssubmitters and attendees. Based on the success, SfN willSfN is excited to welcome four new chapters: Seoul, Korea;continue to use the nanosymposia format for NeuroscienceSuwon, Korea; Kelantan, Malaysia; and Brooklyn, NY. For2010 in San Diego.information on forming or reactivating a chapter or to getinvolved locally, visit www.sfn.org/chapters.tieRed-pRicingThe Scientific Publications and Finance CommitteesnewlY appointed audit chaiR andestablished the Tiered-Pricing Working Group in Novem-2010-2011 pRogRaM coMMittee chaiRber 2008 to develop a recommended tiered subscription Council appointed SfN Councilor Howard Eichenbaumpricing model for institutional subscriptions to The Journalas incoming chair of the Audit Committee. Susan Amara,of Neuroscience. At this past summer Council meeting, President-elect, announced her selection of Scott Thomp-Council approved the tiered-pricing model, which will son of the University of Maryland as the 2010-2011 Pro-become effective in 2011. The purpose of the model is togram Committee Chair. Dr. Amara believes Thompsonsstabilize subscription revenue by implementing a ratio- international experience will complement her desire tonalized pricing structure as well as to establish a flexiblefurther develop international participation and member-foundation. This tiered-pricing model will allow a priceship in the Society.decrease or freeze for the most price-sensitive groups and asomewhat higher price point for the group that can most successful fY2009 auditafford it, while maintaining a subscription revenue neutral Council was presented the 2009 audit results by the Auditposition for the next five years. Committee Chair Robert Malenka. The audit firm ofGelman, Rosenberg, & Freedman CPAs found the inter-extension of open choicenal controls of the Society to be sound and strong. SfNCouncil approved the recommendation to extend the openreceived an unqualified opinion during the audit with nochoice pricing option for subscriptions to The Journal of material weaknesses or significant deficiencies noted in theNeuroscience for two years. With this option, a publishingSocietys internal controls. n 5. SfN Highlights Great Science Funded by the Recovery ActSfN is demonstrating to the public and policymakers the and support to improve patients quality of life, and a5important scientific advances made possible by the Ameri- national commitment toward finding cures. Issues includecan Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The fund- federal research funding, improving care for those withing is creating scientific and economic momentum that the chronic conditions, advocating for stem cell research, andnation, and others worldwide, should sustain. supporting the ethical use of animals in research. Learnmore at www.americanbraincoalition.orgYouR input neededTo communicate to Congress and the public the scientificFor more information on resources, events, andadvances and economic benefits made possible by ARRA, Congressional outreach, visit www.sfn.org/advocacy. nSfN is calling upon grantees to submit their grant storiesonline. Many primary investigators already have respond-ed by uploading information on their grants impact andgoals at www.sfn.org/recovery. attend the 2010 sfn capitol hill daYThe time is now to engage in advocacy in support ofMore stories are needed! Please log on today to fill out thestrong research funding! With Congress making criti-easy-to-use form to let policymakers know these funds arecal decisions about the future of science funding, meetsupporting groundbreaking research while preserving andyour legislators and share the story of your researchcreating jobs across the nation. Your contributions areand its potential benefits. Join your SfN colleagues incrucial to long-term advocacy efforts to establish substantial,Washington for the 4th Annual SfN Capitol Hillsustained increases in biomedical research.Day on March 25, 2010, to urge support for robust,sustained funding in FY2011 and beyond. E-mailsfn RecoVeRY act stoRiesadvocacy@sfn.org for information.Once submitted, your grant information may be used ina new resource: SfN Recovery Act Stories. Newly avail-able at www.sfn.org/recovery, these short and compellingdocuments provide descriptions, future implications, and congRess finalizes fY2010 budget,human impact of SfN members ARRA-funded grants.These stories will be distributed on Capitol Hill andsfn engages pResident on fY2011to the Obama Administration, and made widely avail-able through SfNs Web site. Each story links to a BrainfY2010 appRopRiationsResearch Success Story to provide additional informationHealth care reform dominated work in Congressabout progress on neurological diseases and conditionsthrough the last months of 2009, but membersmade possible by federal support for research.of Congress were able to approve the FY2010appropriations package, which the President signedMany thanks to all who submitted their grant informationinto law on December 16. The final budget includedas it is imperative that the scientific community share with$31 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH),Congress how ARRA funds are benefiting their communi- a 2.3 percent increase above last year, and $6.9 billionties and the health of the American people. View thesefor the National Science Foundation (NSF), which isstories today and share your own! a 6.8 percent increase above the previous years level.RecoVeRY act fact sheet looking ahead to fY2011A snapshot of the exciting neuroscience research sup- The presidents proposed FY2011 budget will be releasedported through NIH ARRA funding is available in a new Feb. 1, 2010. In November 2009, SfN members urgedfact sheet at www.sfn.org/recovery. This one-page docu- President Obama and his administration to prioritizement highlights the investment made in institutes thatNIH and NSF research funding in the budget as it is criti-make up the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research.cal to improving health and strengthening economies.Download the fact sheet today to share with your col-leagues and legislators.SfN members responded with nearly 3,000 messagesto the President. However, there is more work to bedone in the coming year to ensure the nation sustainsbRinging scientists and patients togetheR : the scientific momentum generated by NIH and NSFthe aMeRican bRain coalitionfunding and ARRA.The Society for Neuroscience is a founding member of theAmerican Brain Coalition (ABC), a nonprofit advocacySfN will call upon its U.S. members at critical mo-coalition of some of the nations leading neurological, ments during the Congressional process and asks allpsychological, and psychiatric associations and patient members to engage lawmakers.organizations. Its goals include better treatment, services, 6. Q&ATom Holder: Creating a Unified Voice for Animal Research6Tom Holder graduated from Oxfordand Pro-Test have tried to address these public misconcep- University in 2007. His time at uni-tions head on in order to rally the public in support of re- versity coincided with the escalation search. This effort has moved to the United States, launch- of violence and intimidation by animaling spring 2008, with a Pro-Test rally in 2009 drawing more rights (AR) extremists. Frustratedthan 700 pro-research advocates in Los Angeles. by the mounting climate of fear, he became instrumental in the formationNQ: Growing intimidation and violence has of the original Pro-Test committee in understandably caused many animal researchers Tom Holder, Founder,January 2006. In March 2008, he to choose anonymity. however, more are joining Speaking of Researchmoved to the United States to takewith you and others to speak for research. What on AR groups by founding Speaking has been the reaction of researchers who haveof Research (www.speakingofresearch.com). His project is become involved in these movements?supported by both Pro-Test and Americans for Medical Prog- Some people who have joined Speaking of Research haveress, and aims to mirror Pro-Tests grass-roots activities bybeen happy to be publicly recognized as a supporter of ani-generating student and faculty support for scientists conduct- mal research (e.g., SfN member David Jentsch). However,ing animal research. Holder returned to the United Kingdom others have been more hesitant to risk the spotlight. ARin October 2008 and continues to assist with Speaking of extremists have long benefited from the fear of researchers,Research as well as the UK organization Pro-Test.allowing them to spread misinformation about research without opposition from the scientific community.NQ: Why did you decide to form Pro-test, and,later, speaking of Research? What is your goal and Groups like Speaking of Research and Pro-Test allowwhat strategies do the organizations pursue? scientists to spread the risk of being targeted whenSpeaking of Research (www.speakingofresearch.com), like1,000 people hold a march the chances of being pickedPro-Test (www.pro-test.org.uk), was founded on the knowl-out by the AR community are greatly reduced and theedge that a small but dedicated group of activists and extrem- number of people willing to come to your support is muchists could do untold damage to the future of medical research. larger than if you try and speak up on your own. SpeakingSpiralling security costs created by animal rights extremistsof Research and Pro-Test have provided new avenues andforced Cambridge University to abandon its new researchalliances for the many scientists who have been speakingfacility. Threats and harassment by activists has forced manylocally, sometimes less visibly, and have encouraged othersresearchers (concerned for their families wellbeing) to con-who were fearful to come forward.sider quitting their jobs, and some to follow through. Why?Because a small, but violent minority believes they have the NQ: the european research community has beenright to coerce society into their way of thinking.confronting animal rights activism and violence for many years. What lessons can the global researchOn Feb. 25, 2006, the Pro-Test committee helped organize community learn from the europeans?an event in which almost 1,000 students, scientists, and I have often heard people say that the United States is fivemembers of the public marched through the streets of years behind the UK in terms of animal rights activismOxford in support of lifesaving medical research. The im- that while extremism has peaked and is now falling inpact in the media was huge. Not only did the mainstreamBritain, the United States is still on a steady rise. If this ismedia take an interest in the issue of animal research,true, then the United States can expect a rise in number ofopinion pieces, blogs, and TV documentaries also sprungarson attacks on cars and property, it can expect a rise inup to bring this issue to the forefront of the public con- the threats, home protests, and economic sabotage, and itsciousness bolstering support for the cause. Withinmay have to expect worse.three months, the Prime Minister Tony Blair had publiclybacked a petition in support of animal research and hadAs the British government clamped down on extremismpledged to take on animal rights extremism.in the UK (with the formation of the National Extremist Tactical Coordination Unit), animal rights activists movedFor many years, the public has sat by idly watching the rise to the rest of Europe and to the United States. Recentlyof animal rights extremism in their country. By using decep- extremism peaked in other parts of Europe with thetive pictures and misconstruing science, AR groups havefirebombing of Novartis Chief Executive, Daniel Vasellas,spread the seeds of doubt about the welfare conditions, andholiday home in Austria, and the desecration of his fam-scientific validity of animal research. Speaking of Research ilys graves in Switzerland. 7. If the United States and other nations do not act now, peers about this issue and how should theythen extremism will continue to rise to the sickeningengage their generation?heights that have occurred across the Atlantic.As in the UK prior to 2006, the AR community thrives off the eager and inquisitive minds of the younger genera- 7NQ: What do you think the research communitys tion. Social sites like Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, andmessage should be and how should it effectivelyTwitter are littered with groups, messages, and videos sup-communicate this to increase support for animalporting the animal rights cause. On the other hand, theresearch?pro-science community has been slow to respond to theThe scientific communitys message must be three fold: toonline generation, to counter the myths. However there isclearly show how animal research has been crucial to the hope, the Pro-Test Supporting Animal Research groupmedical developments of the past, present, and future; toon Facebook has over 4,000 members, and the Pro-Testshow that animal welfare in labs is second to none; and to rallies in the UK in 2006 attracted hundreds of young,stand up to a violent minority who threaten the future ofkeen-minded students.medicine. Researchers need to talk openly about their workto friends and family, and explain why the scientific com- If I could say a few words to many of my generation itmunity needs animals to advance our medical knowledge. would be Look a little closer. It is easy to be convinced by the bite-sized arguments of the anti-vivisection commu-Every scientist who stands up and speaks about their nity. Claims such as 450 methods exist to replace animalresearch, every scientist who writes a blog about theirresearch sound good, but on closer inspection, theseresearch, and every scientist who offers to explain their re-claims turn out to be baseless (such non-animal methodssearch at their childs school or college plays a crucial role are used alongside animal research, but science cannot yetin combating the misinformation of animal rights activists.replace all animal research).Speaking of Research regularly offers spots on its blog toguest writers to talk about why they use animals, but this It is imperative that scientists-in-training (undergradu-shouldnt stop people being proactive in getting the mes-ate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows) joinsage out themselves. Next time you see an anti-researchthe effort to promote the crucial developments stemmingletter in a newspaper, take five minutes to e-mail a reply!from animal research. Through formal opportunities toIts amazing how many people you can connect with. educate school children during Brain Awareness Week to less structured public outreach efforts (social networking,NQ: As you are part of the next generation ofnewsletters), young neuroscientists have a critical role inscience advocates, what would you say to yourthe endorsing their own work and that of others. nEnhancing Peer Review at NIHAs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) enhancesThe Resources component now requests applicants tothe Peer Review Process, the agency reports that explain how the scientific environment will contributeseveral changes will affect competing applications and to the probability of project success. For early-stageresubmissions for Jan. 25, 2010 due dates and beyond.investigators, the Resources section will require applicantsRestructured and shortened applications aim to reduceto describe the institutional investment in the success ofthe administrative burden placed upon applicants and the investigator.reviewers, while aligning the structure and content ofthe application with newly enhanced review criteria. New Biographical Sketch instructions request personalNIH notes that shorter page limits and more strongly statements from key personnel, discussing why theirdefined components focus on the essentials of the science, experience and qualifications make them well-suited foravoid information overload, and support continuous and the project. The Biographical Sketch limits the numbermanageable peer review.of references and specifies that only work related to the application should be included. The recommended list ofWithin the Research Plan, the Specific Aims section nowpublications or manuscripts should not exceed 15.asks applicants to briefly discuss the expected impact ofthe proposed research. This section has a new addition If a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) pagetitled Research Strategy, which incorporates Backgroundlimits and instructions vary from the general applicationand Significance, Preliminary Studies/Progress Report, and instructions, the FOA guidelines should be followed. ForResearch Design and Methods. Page limits will be 6 or 12 details on application changes and revised page limits,pages, not including an additional page for Specific Aims. visit http://enhancing-peer-review.nih.gov. n 8. . . . Inside Science, continued from page 18 Based on the pioneering work of Karl Deisseroth atStanford University and his lab, optogenetics uses lightto activate or inhibit genetically targeted brain cells andcircuits. The technique takes advantage of light-sensitiveion channels (opsins) from unlikely sources algae andarchaebacteria. Many of these opsins are sodium ion chan-nels, such as channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2), which respondsto blue light. In neurons expressing ChR2, illuminationwith trains of blue light pulses causes an influx of sodiumions, activating the neurons with corresponding trains ofaction potentials. In contrast, yellow light inhibits (hyper-polarizes) neurons expressing another opsin called halorho-dopsin (NpHR), a chloride pump.Because these opsins are foreign to mammals, and mostOptogenetics can modify neural activity in awake, behavingmammalian brain cells do not normally respond to light,animals. An optical fiber delivers light to genetically targetedthe technique allows precise control of select neuralneurons. Illustration by Ethan Tyler.populations. With the right combination of opsins and theproper wavelength of light, Dr. Deisseroths group devel-situations. Their depression can be lifted by antidepres-oped a way to turn individual neurons on or off. sant medications such as fluoxetine, and now we see, by optogenetic stimulation. When Covington and colleaguesNo longer a nascent technology, optogenetics is now be-introduced ChR2 into neurons of the prefrontal cortex ofing applied to animal models of depression, narcolepsy,the stressed mice and then stimulated the neurons withParkinsons disease, blindness, addiction, and memory, blue light, the mice recovered normal social behaviors.among others. At a press conference at Neuroscience 2009 However, other behaviors were unaffected.moderated by Dr. Deisseroth, researchers discussed newapplications for optogenetics in animal research, from trac- decipheRing bRain RewaRd ciRcuitRYing brain circuitry and modifying behavior to potentiallyOptogenetics is being used to study connectivity of braindeveloping therapies for central nervous system diseases.regions associated with addictive-like behavior. Garret Stuber, working with Antonello Bonci at the Universitynew tools and applications of California San Franciscos Ernest Gallo Clinic andFeng Zhang described new optogenetics tools developedResearch Center, reported the targeting of glutamatergicin the Deisseroth lab. He reported the successful search cells of the basal lateral amygdala and their synaptic con-for opsins with new kinds of functionality using genomic nections in the nucleus accumbens. This anatomic link istechnology. The discovery of these proteins in the natural critically important for many types of goal-directed behav-world drives home the importance of maintaining ecologi- iors, but the specific connectivity has not been studied incal diversity, he argued.detail with respect to addiction.He also reported a system to deliver optogenetic control The researchers introduced ChR2 into neurons of the basalnot just to a specific cell type, but to a specific projection lateral amygdala. They saw in tests a few weeks later that thefrom one defined cell type to another, using trans-synap-protein had made its way along the amygdala cell fibers totically transported genetic regulators. The combination of terminals connecting with neurons of the nucleus accumbens,new optogenetic tools and new kinds of targeting enables thus confirming the link between cells of the two regions.increasingly refined and specific control of neural circuitry. Stuber and colleagues implanted a cannula above theantidepRessant effects nucleus accumbens, inserted into it a fiber-optic cableHerbert Covington, a postdoctoral fellow working withfor shining blue light, and tested whether stimulation ofEric Nestler at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, showed the synapses within the nucleus accumbens would elicitthat optogenetics can mimic the effects of antidepres- addictive-like behavior in the mice. The mice were givensants in mice. The medial prefrontal cortex is involved in the opportunity to nose poke in order to receive the lightdepression in humans and other mammals. Mice, whichstimulation, and, sure enough, the ones outfitted with thenormally engage in social behaviors, can be inducedfiber-optic light poked at a far higher rate than controlinto depressive non-social states by exposure to stressful mice. In other words, the animals found the stimulation 9. of these synapses reinforcing. Stimulation of otherresponsible for the memory. They found that activation ofglutamatergic projections did not elicit the same nose-pokea small subset of cells in the dentate gyrus (as few as 100response, demonstrating the power of optogenetics to tease cells) was enough to trigger memory recall.out the unique neuronal influences on behaviors. 9 what next?pRobing MeMoRY Although optogenetics has only been used in animalMemory is another area in which optogenetics is parsingexperiments thus far, its reach is wide and growing rapidly.out subsets of neurons involved in brain activities. Michael More than 500 laboratories around the world are now usingHusser, University College London, reported at Neuro- optogenetic tools in a broad range of animal models, brainscience 2009 on preliminary data that shows the use of regions, and cell types. Moreover, the field of optogeneticsoptogenetics to study memory storage and recall. has the capability to not only help explain normal brain function, but also to help explain disease states, and possiblyMemory storage appears to take place during learning as spe- to help inform the development of novel therapeutic strate-cific sets of activated neurons form a unique assembly. Fur- gies for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.ther, it is thought that recall of that memory can be triggeredby activation of a subset of the assembly. However, there hasWe already know that altering brain electrical activity canbeen no direct experimental evidence of these events, whichbe used therapeutically. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) foroptogenetics appears to be set to help establish.Parkinsons disease and depression is a familiar example. In DBS, a metal electrode implanted into the brain deliversHusser and colleagues sought to reactivate subsets of neu-high frequency electrical pulses to all cells in its vicinity.rons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus that earlier had beenIn contrast, optogenetics is more spatially precise.involved in the formation of a fearful association. They tookadvantage of the c-Fos gene, which only turns on in cellsInterestingly, a recent study used optogenetics to studythat are active. By driving ChR2 expression with the c-Fos why DBS is an effective treatment for Parkinsons disease.promoter, they could use blue light to reactivate only those In rodent models of the disease, researchers used light toneurons that had been involved in the memory process.trigger or inhibit discrete neural circuit components while simultaneously recording circuit activity. The findings mayThe researchers trained mice to associate a tone with ahelp refine treatment for Parkinsons disease patients.noxious stimulus. Subsequently, when the mice heard thetone, they froze with fear. Later, the researchers found thatFrancis Crick might not have envisioned that opticalblue light also caused the mice to freeze with fear, sug-technologies derived from microbes would be useful togesting that it reactivated the subset of dentate gyrus cellsbasic or clinical neuroscience. But, as a technique for basicinvolved in the fearful association in the absence of thescience discoveries and as a source for clinical insights,tone or the noxious stimulus.optogenetics clearly has risen to his challenge. nBy including a fluorescent tag in the ChR2 preparation,To view the video of the press conference and relatedthe researchers were able to count the number of cells slides, go to www.sfn.org/amhighlights. ProPose a NaNosymPosium with your ColleaguesSubmit an abstract for Neuroscience 2010 and youchoose to present it as a poster or be considered fora nanosymposium. A nanosymposium is a group oftopically matched abstracts; each abstract is presentedas a 15-minute slide-based talk. Members can suggesta session by using the Linking Group feature withinthe abstract submission site. Space for nanosymposia islimited and competitive, and preference will go to groupproposals. Collaborate with your colleagues now, and plana strong nanosymposium. Abstract submission opens onApril 22, and the deadline is May 13. www.sfn.org/am2010 10. N e u r o s c i e N c e 20 0 9 Neuroscience 2009 Proves a Success with Rich Scientific Content in Chicago10 The magic performances prompted audience questions about the types of experiments that can be designed to answer what happens to the brain during attention manipulation and how such experiments could be es- sential in researching attention deficit disorders. Carew ended the Dialogues presentation by thanking Robbins and Mead for providing the audience with a sense of wonder, but mostly for leaving the audience with something to wonder about. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse, explored how Scientists from around the worldnih diRectoR deliVeRs neuroimaging technologies and behavior- gathered in Chicago at McCormickspecial pResentational research have improved knowledge of changes in the brain caused by addiction. Place for SfNs 39th Annual Meet- In a special presentation, National ing. Neuroscience 2009 fostered Institutes of Health (NIH) Director the exchange of cutting-edgeFrancis Collins discussed his vision Collins focused on the research com- scientific research with nearly for NIH, and the key challengesmunitys responsibility to communi- 16,000 abstracts presented in posterand opportunities facing NIH and cate the scientific and health impact sessions and nanosymposia. Held the broader scientific community.of grants funded through ARRA. October 1721, Neuroscience 2009Collins highlighted the increasesCollins urged recipients of recovery welcomed 30,547 attendees to theto NIH funding from the 2009 dollars to communicate how research city of Chicago with rich scientificCongressional stimulus package,funding supports the community and content, valuable networking op-while placing a strong emphasiswhy it is a positive national invest- portunities, and numerous profes- on the importance of participating ment. Collins also highlighted the sional development resources. in scientific and public policy that SfN Recovery Act Impact Form as an encourages basic, translational, and important tool for recording and edu- clinical research. Watch the video atcating lawmakers on the economic Magicians peRfoRM andimpact of funding for NIH research. www.sfn.org/amhighlights. discuss the aRt of Magic In the opening presentation Dia- logues Between Neuroscience and Society, internationally recognized magicians Apollo Robbins and Eric Mead amazed the audience with memory manipulation and sleight of hand tricks, demonstrating how the art of magic uses the minds limita- tions to create illusion. After the magic, Robbins and Mead sat down with then SfN President Tom Carew and Susana Martinez-Conde, director of the Laboratory of Visual Neurosci- ence at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, to discuss the science be- hind magic and the strong academic component that lies within the field.During the Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society presentation, magicians and Video of the discussion is available atneuroscientists explored the science behind magic, including what happens to the brain www.sfn.org/amhighlights.during attention manipulation. 11. fiRst chapteR-of-11the-YeaR awaRdpResented atneuRoscience 2009 Prior to his presentation, NIH Director Francis Collins met with postdoctoral fellows to dis- cuss challenges facing research, institutions, and scientific careers. Membership and ChaptersRich scientific lectuResNeuroethics by Steven Laureys; the Committee member Johannes Menzelin the windY citY Albert and Ellen Grass Lecture by(left) presented the Chapter-of-the-Robert H. Wurtz; and the History ofYear Award to Dwayne Godwin,The 2009 Presidential Specialpast chapter representative for theLectures focused on the evolution Neuroscience Lecture by Larry W. Western North Carolina chapter.of the changing brain in a changing Swanson. In addition to the FeaturedLectures and 14 Special Lectures, The Western North Carolinaworld. Elizabeth Spelke discussedemerging areas of the field were high-chapter of SfN was recognizedhow humans apprehend conceptslighted through dozens of symposiawith the first annual Chapter-such as math while mapping theand minisymposia, including new of-the-Year Award for outstand-cognitive world of a changing braindevelopments in the genetics anding achievements in publicthrough growth and development.pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral communication, outreach, andRichard G. Morris explored learningsclerosis and the unexpected role ofeducation. Presented at the 2009and memory at a systems level whileendocannabinoid mechanisms in Chapter Workshop, this newfocusing on understanding neuralbrain disease.award recognizes outstandingmechanisms with the capacity to en-chapters for their efforts andcode, store, consolidate, and retrieveaccomplishments across a broadinformation. Nora D. Volkow evalu-the debut of nanosYMposia range of activities.ated how advanced neuroimagingIntroduced at this years annualtechnologies and behavioral researchmeeting, nanosymposia were a greathave improved knowledge of changessuccess, fusing thematically coher-enhancing the Meetingin the brain caused by addiction. ent sessions by allowing abstractthRough social MediaEric Kandel discussed his work on presenters to form and suggest the SfN announced an official Neuro-long-term memory storage and cur- composition of their own sessions. blogging initiative for Neurosciencerent research findings on the protein Nanosymposia consisted of abstracts2009. SfN members were encouragedCRB-3 in mice.from multiple labs with a common to apply, and 11 individuals weretopical interest and were considered selected to serve as official SfNAdditional Featured Lectures in-to be an improvement over slide ses- Neurobloggers. The 2009 blogscluded the Fred Kavli Distinguished sions held in the past. The collabor-served as an informative onlineInternational Scientist Lecture byative nature of nanosymposia at theresource for meeting attendees, whileDaniel M. Wolpert; the Peter and Pa-annual meeting unified themes andproviding followers with highlightstricia Gruber Lecture by Michael W. engaged younger scientists in theof research found on the poster floorYoung, Jeffrey C. Hall, and Michael neuroscience community. Neurosci-and within the lecture halls. Neuro-Rosbash; the David Kopf Lecture onence 2009 offered 82 nanosymposia. blogging is one of several initiatives Continued on page 12 . . . 12. neuRoscience 2009 . . . Neuroscience 2009, continued from page 1112 In 2009, the Meet-the-Expert Series sitions or resumes and scheduling in- expanded to include eight experts terviews. In 2009, almost 300 on-site speaking on a wide range of top-interviews were scheduled, fostering ics. Attendees received tips from new relationships and opportunities research experts who described theirfor employers and job seekers. personal techniques and accom- plishments. Topics ranged from newneuRobiologY of disease frontiers in cognitive neuroscience woRkshop to animal models of addiction. OtherThe day-long Neurobiology of topics explored advances in neu-Disease Workshop, The Neurobiol- roimaging and genetic approaches forogy of Depression, featured a series Attendees had the opportunity to explore dissecting GABA neurons. Meet-of lectures and dialogues exploring the latest technologies, services, andthe-Expert, now in its sixth year,depression as a brain disorder with products offered by exhibitors. continues to provide young investiga- identified molecular, cellular, and tors with the opportunity to engage system-level substrates. The work- by SfN to enhance the annual meet-experts and network in an informalshop began with descriptions of ing experience for attendees. The and intimate setting. depression from a patients perspec- initiative also included the creation tive, and lectures throughout the of an official SfN page on Facebook,Making connections at the day summarized recent research on which posted regular announce- ments keeping more than 4,000 fans neuRoJobs caReeR centeR the interaction of genes and envi- For the first time, NeuroJobs, theronment, the molecular (including up-to-date with special events, lec- premier online resource for neurosci- epigenomic) basis of depression, and tures, and annual meeting resources. ence jobs, made job searches on the neuroimaging and deep brain stimu- site freely available to all job seekers, lation results that are mapping the fosteRing pRofessionalmembers and nonmembers alike. circuitry of depression. The biology deVelopMent with annual This open access promoted increased of suicide and emerging approaches Meeting ResouRces activity, while still providing mem-and advances in treatment also were SfNs commitment to enhancing bers-only features such as job alerts discussed. A reception at the end of the professional development of and resume posting. The NeuroJobs the day allowed students and faculty neuroscientists at every stage of their Career Center at Neuroscience 2009to interact and explore remaining career was evident through the train- provided neuroscientists and employ-questions informally. ing, networking, and related oppor- ers with access to private interview tunities available to attendees.booths and computers for posting po-shoRt couRses Three Short Courses were held at Neuroscience 2009, offering par- ticipants an in-depth look at specific topics and techniques in neuroscience research. Courses included Epigenet- ic Control and Neuronal Function, Rhythms of the Neocortex, and New Frontiers in Live-Cell Imag- ing. Each day-long course consisted of lectures and slide presentations by leading experts, followed by informal breakout sessions. pRofessional deVelopMent woRkshops Nine workshops were held in Chi- cago on a wide range of professionalAttendees from around the world showcased their local education and outreachefforts during the Brain Awareness Campaign event. development topics for all career levels. This years offerings included 13. neuRoscience 2009 13the nMp is aVailableall YeaR long Use the Neuroscience Meeting Planner (NMP) to browse ab- stracts and explore Neuroscience 2009 sessions after the meeting at www.sfn.org/nmp. Top Five 2009 NMP Searches: Boolean Search 1. Pain 2. Dopamine 3. Hippocampus 4. Memory 5. Schizophrenia Simple Search 1. Autism 2. Kandel 3. Deisseroth 4. Pain Victoria Luine (right) was the first recipient of the Bernice Grafstein Award for Outstanding 5. Schizophrenia Accomplishments in Mentoring. Luine is pictured with Professional Development Committee Co-chair Jill Becker (left) and past SfN President Bernice Grafstein (middle). View all of the 2009 award and prize recipients at www.sfn.org/am2009/awardrecipients. Social Networking and Technologyto Enhance Chapter Communicationand Outreach. The panel of chapterseveral new topics, including one onpRoMoting science presenters shared practical informa-writing for Wikipedia that stemmededucation and outReachtion and examples for improvingfrom SfNs Neuroscience Wikipedia The Annual Brain Awareness Cam- chapter communications with the useInitiative and another on managing apaign Event celebrated public neu-of social media and other Web-basedresearch laboratory. Other workshopsroscience education and challengedtechnologies. Chapters were encour-addressed careers for neuroscientists,scientists to recruit peers to partici- aged to use social media as a meansusing case studies to teach neurosci- pate in the 2010 Brain Awarenessto promote the exchange of chapterence, surviving as junior faculty,Week and other outreach campaigns.news, events, and information. An-combining family and a neuroscience This years event, featuring then SfN other workshop topic was developingcareer, and research funding opportu- President Tom Carew, drew nearlyeffective chapter fundraising strate-nities in Europe and the U.S. 200 participants and showcasedgies, and five chapters shared postersposters from around the globe thatdisplaying their neuroscience educa-celebRating woMen indisplayed local education outreachtion outreach efforts.neuRoscienceefforts to K-12 students and otherThe yearly A Celebration of Womenaudiences. Attendees were exposed in suppoRt of continuedto innovative tools and educationalin Neuroscience luncheon featuredresources such as SfNs Neurosciencescience fundingHuda Zoghbi as the guest speaker, The 2009 Public Advocacy Forumhonoring her achievements as a neu- Core Concepts, NERVE (resourcebrought together a diverse panelroscientist. This years event againportal), and Brain Facts that can befrom the academic, economic, andshowcased women leaders in neuro- used to inspire public education andbusiness communities. Moderatedscience with a special slide show and outreach efforts.by Research!America Presidentexplored the question, How do youMary Woolley, the panel discusseddecide when to say yes and when toincReasing chapteR coMMu- the importance of engaging in sci-say no? Managing personal and pro- nication thRough technologY ence advocacy by making the casefessional commitments as a female inMore than 100 participants attended that strong, sustained funding forthe field was given special emphasis. the 2009 Chapter Workshop, Using biomedical research benefits national 14. neuRoscience 2009 . . . Neuroscience 2009, continued from page 1314 and local economies while simulta- neously improving health. Panelists detailed the economic impact of NIH-funded research and provided attendees with information and tools for enhanced science advocacy. shaRing scientific pRogRess, engaging stakeholdeRs The Animals in Research workshop engaged participants in a discussion of developing new allies to promote responsible animal research. This workshop examined ways to widen the tent by involving patient groups, health care providers, indus- try, and others who have a vested interest in protecting responsiblePresenters focused on how the scientific community can engage the public to find common ground between science and society during the Social Issues Roundtable. animal research. Attendees were encouraged to speak out about their own research to share the story of progress that is made possible through animal research. NeurosCieNCe 2010 abstraCt social issues Roundtable The 2009 Social Issues Roundtable, submissioN oPeNs iN aPril Engaging the Public on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Neuroscience Research, moderated by Alan Leshner, was met with a packed room of attendees spilling into the corridor to hear about how Submit an abstract for a poster new discoveries into the nature of the brain are prompting ethicalsession or nanosymposium. questions relating to the self, the soul, free will, and what it means to be human. This roundtable discussed ways the scientific commu- nity can reach out and engage the Opening of Abstract Submission: public to find common ground and minimize potential tensions while Thursday, April 22 maximizing progress. nstaY in touch YeaR-Round Abstract Submission Deadline:Contact Neuroscience 2009exhibitors offering products andservices through My EXPO, a Thursday, May 13, 5 p.m. EDTvirtual directory of Neuroscience2009 vendors. My EXPO is search-able by exhibitor names, products,or keywords. Visit www.sfn.org/am2009/myexpo.www.sfn.org/am2010 15. NEUROSCIENCE Q U A R T E R L YThe Journal ImplementsPublished quarterly by the Society for NeuroscienceLicense to PublishCirculation: 40,400 2010 Society for NeuroscienceSfNs Council has approved a Scientific Publications Committee recommen-Opinions expressed in Neuroscience Quarterly do not necessarilydation that returns copyright to authors and licenses only the limited rights reflect those of the Society or its officers and councilors.needed to maintain The Journal of Neuroscience as a successful and highlyOfficers, Councilors, and staffrespected scientific publication. The new License to Publish takes effect inPresident: Michael E. GoldbergJanuary 2010 and replaces the current transfer of copyright to SfN and will Past President: Thomas J. Carewmake the reuse of scientific content easier for authors and third parties.President-Elect: Susan G. AmaraSecretary and NQ Editorial Advisor: Freda D. MillerTreasurer: Marie-Francoise ChesseletUnder the new License to Publish, authors retain the non-exclusive rightPast Treasurer: Joanne E. Berger-Sweeneyto all non-commercial uses of the work as long as reuse is attributed toTreasurer-Elect: Donald S. Faberthe original publication, and they refrain from making the work pub-Councilors: Roberta Diaz Brinton, Howard Eichenbaum,licly available for the first six months after publication. Six months afterMarie T. Filbin, Frances Jensen, Robert Malenka,Anthony Phillips, Leslie Tolbert, Gina Turrigianopublication, anyone can use the material under the terms of a CreativeCommons license, which allows reuse of the article in full or in part for Executive Director: Marty Saggesenon-commercial purposes.Deputy Executive Director: Robert M. 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By using produce data, excerpts or the entire article for this environmental paper, SfN saved the following resources: non-commercial use 32 trees14,858 gallons of water Open Choice articles may be re-purposed by noyes902pounds of solid waste the author or public from the date of publica-3,085pounds of hazardous effluent tion, without embargo, for non-commercial use without requesting permission. Open Choice articles meet Wellcome Trust noyes requirements SfN has the right to publish, reproduce, distrib-yes yes ute, display, translate, and store the work The agreement covers figures, supplementaryyes yes data, and cover art 16. Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 87 Dulles, VA15 Years of Brain outreach and education15th AnnualBrain Awareness WeekMarch 1521, 2010 Take advantage of updated Web resourcesfor ideas and inspirationin planning your local event.Visit www.sfn.org/baw