Is this the golden age of neuroscience?

Today, WBUR (Boston’s NPR station) began a 2-month long series on the brain called “Brain Matters.” This morning, they ran a segment which featured interviews with Bob Desimone and Ed Boyden. Desimone was also the featured guest on the Radio Boston, where he fielded questions from callers about the current state of brain research.

As part of this series, WBUR.org posted 12 images that show some of the cutting-edge techniques that scientists are using to try to solve the mystery of the brain. Some of the beautiful images are from McGovern labs. “Brain Matters” also asked 11 young neuroscientists from BU, Harvard and MIT to share what they’re working on — and why their research is important. These interviews are posted on the WBUR website.

Yinqing Li: Solving the Connectome

Yinqing Li is a graduate student in Feng Zhang’s lab and a McGovern Institute Friends Fellow. His career goal is to “solve the connectome.”

Leah Acker: Engineering the Brain

Leah Acker is a McGovern Institute Friends Fellow who earned her PhD working in the labs of Bob Desimone and Ed Boyden. Leah’s projects involve the invention and application of new technologies for less-invasive neuromodulation, and the study of optogenetic control of brain circuits.

Patrick J. McGovern Memorial Service

Disruptive Innovations in Neuroscience: Alex Shalek

McGovern Institute Spring Symposium 2014
May 2, 2014
Alex Shalek, Harvard University
“Using single cell transcriptomics to explore cellular identity and uncover drivers of cellular behaviors”