Neuronal excitability is to a large extent controlled by the type and number of receptors and ion channels present on the cell surface. On page 331 of this issue, Moss and colleagues authoritatively review the regulation of the composition of GABAA receptors and their trafficking. The authors discuss the importance of GABAA receptor trafficking to and from the neuronal surface as well as between synaptic and extrasynaptic locations and consider the implications of dysfunctional trafficking for the development of neurological disorders.

Anaesthetic-sensitive GABAA receptors have also been identified as important regulators of sleep and arousal. In an article on page 370, Nicholas Franks reviews the molecular targets of anaesthetics and the neuronal circuits they control. He discusses recent studies that highlight similarities between deep sleep and anaesthetic-induced loss of consciousness.

Our Perspective section this month features a Viewpoint targeted at young neuroscientists facing important choices about the direction in which they should take their careers in order to succeed. Four established neuroscientists who have had successful careers in academia and industry contribute their expert opinions on what to consider when making career decisions.

Finally, we are pleased to present a poster on Alzheimer's disease sponsored by Elan and Wyeth (http://www.nature.com/nrn/posters/ad). Frank LaFerla summarizes our current understanding of the contributions of amyloid-β and tau and their signalling pathways to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. The poster also discusses potential therapeutic targets and lists some of the approaches that are currently being undertaken to develop effective drugs that aim to slow or halt the progression of the disease.