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Neuronal growth and regeneration require the continuous synthesis and insertion of membrane. Pfenninger reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in generating and maintaining the neuron's huge surface membrane.
Transient cell–cell interactions aid the formation of neural circuits by providing positional cues for axon guidance and synaptogenesis. Shen and colleagues describe the mechanisms by which they help to organize neural connections in different contexts.
The connections within and between the hippocampus and the parahippocampal region form an intricate network. Here, Witter and colleagues present an interactive diagram of all known connections in these regions and discuss possible functional implications of some of the underexposed projections.
Difficulties in translating basic research findings into safe and effective analgesics have called into question the usefulness of current animal models of pain. Jeffrey Mogil discusses the factors that must be considered when selecting subjects, assays and measures for pain studies.
Imaging studies show activation of the motor cortex during speech perception. In this Perspective, Scott and colleagues discuss different possible roles for the motor system in speech processing and propose that it has a specific function in conversation.
Exposurein uteroto drugs that modulate neurotransmitter systems present during early development can affect brain architecture and function. Levitt and colleagues consider what science has discovered about the effects of prenatal drug exposure and how this knowledge might influence public policy.
