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The amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide accumulates in extracellular plaques that are linked to Alzheimer's disease, and recent evidence indicates that Aβ can also accumulate intraneuronally. LaFerla and colleagues review the production and regulation of intracellular Aβ and discuss its potential contribution to neuronal pathology.
Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels contribute to mechanosensation in several systems, yet direct channel gating by mechanical stimuli has been difficult to prove. Christensen and Corey consider the criteria that aim to establish direct channel gating and apply these to potential mechanosensory TRP channels.
Sensory stimuli are interpreted in light of their spatial and temporal context, which can sometimes lead to visual illusions. Schwartz, Hsu and Dayan consider the possible functional benefits of contextual biases and discuss computational models that may explain why spatial and temporal context effects are so similar.
Uncontrolled aggression and violence have enormous effects on human societies. Nelson and Trainor review and integrate the findings that have shown the complex interactions between genes, biological signals, neural circuits and the environment that influence the development and expression of aggressive behaviour.
Playing a musical instrument involves the precise control of both timing and pitch. Zatorre and colleagues consider the requirements of music perception and production, and discuss the neural mechanisms that mediate interactions between the auditory and motor systems during music performance.
The mechanisms underlying the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are unclear. Ridding and Rothwell argue that a better understanding of these mechanisms and the conditions for which rTMS is used will reveal whether rTMS offers true therapeutic potential.
