The first two articles in this issue have a common theme — the pathophysiology of disease. In a Review on page 707, Brandon and Sawa examine the role of disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) in the developing and mature brain, and discuss how knowledge of DISC1 biology provides insight into the pathophysiology and possible treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders. Then, on page 723, Berislav Zlokovic reviews the evidence that blood–brain barrier dysfunction and other neurovascular deficits are involved in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In a Review on page 739, Wolpert and colleagues discuss the latest progress in our understanding of how humans learn new motor skills, with a focus on the computational mechanisms that underlie sensorimotor learning. This article is followed by a Review by Bohil and colleagues (page 752) on the use of virtual reality in basic neuroscience research and in the clinic.

To conclude this issue, we feature a Viewpoint article (page 763) on the cognitive and behavioural effects of playing video and computer games. Six experts discuss the potential beneficial and harmful effects of such games, and explore how this knowledge can be harnessed in the context of education and rehabilitation.

As the end of 2011 rapidly approaches, we say farewell to the 'From the Editors' column as a regular feature but welcome our new presence on Twitter (@NatRevNeurosci). We would also like to thank you — our authors, referees and readers — for your contributions to and continuing interest in the journal over the past year, and to wish you a happy and productive 2012!