Perspectives

Recent computational neuroscience developments have used deep neural networks to model neural responses in higher visual areas. This Perspective describes key algorithmic underpinnings in computer vision and artificial intelligence that have contributed to this progress and outlines how deep networks could drive future improvements in understanding sensory cortical processing.

The networks used by computer scientists and by modelers in neuroscience frequently consider unit activities as continuous. Neurons, however, com­municate primarily through discontinuous spiking. This Perspective offers a unifying view of the current methods for transferring our ability to construct functional networks from continuous to more realistic spiking network models.

The role of transient elevations of the intracellular concentration of calcium in astrocytes is controversial. Some neuroscientists believe that, by triggering the release of 'gliotransmitters', astrocyte calcium transients regulate synaptic strength and neuronal excitability, while others deny that gliotransmission exists. Bazargani and Attwell assess the status of this rapidly evolving field.

There is growing realization that glia actively signal with neurons and influence synaptic development, transmission and plasticity through an array of secreted and contact-dependent signals. We propose that disruptions in neuron-glia signaling contribute to synaptic and cognitive impairment in disease.

In their Perspective, Hariri & Holmes consider unique features of translational research on stress-related disorders that have helped fuel a productive dialogue from bench to bedside and back, as well as sparked important advances in identifying novel risk biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

The amyloid cascade is perhaps the most dominant hypothesis in the field of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis but it is also one of the most controversial. Here, we present two Perspective articles which argue both for and against the amyloid hypothesis. In this piece, Drs. Musiek and Holtzman argue that, despite sometimes conflicting data, there is ample evidence to suggest that Aβ accumulation is a key initiator of AD-related pathology and may act as a trigger of downstream effects such as tau aggregation.

The amyloid cascade is perhaps the most dominant hypothesis in the field of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, but it is also one of the most controversial. Here we present two Perspective articles that argue both for and against the amyloid hypothesis. In this opinionated piece, Dr. Herrup challenges the Alzheimer's field to re-examine the complex biochemical, clinical and epidemiological evidence and reassess its over-reliance on this proposed pathogenic mechanism.

In this Perspective article, Brian Grone and Scott Baraban examine some of the numerous nonhuman animal models of epilepsy. The authors outline how traditional animal models have advanced our understanding of seizure initiation and epileptogenesis and also describe how the use of more 'non-traditional' model systems may further improve insight into both disease mechanisms as well as potential therapeutic avenues.

Current treatment options are, for many patients with epilepsy, either insufficient or ineffective and, thus, new therapeutic methodologies are necessary. In this Perspective, Esther Krook-Magnuson and Ivan Soltesz look at recent advances in optogenetic-based modulation of circuit activity and seizures with an eye toward the prospect - and challenges - of utilizing these technologies for the treatment of epilepsy.

Temporally coordinated signals at gamma frequencies and higher are often used to study inter-regional communication in brain networks, but interpreting mechanisms from population measures can be troublesome. The authors discuss the physiological origins of gamma coherence and suggest ways to decipher its roles in neural function.

In this Perspective, the authors discuss the recent surge in the collection of "big behavioral data" and how it might contribute to the understanding of how the brain controls behavior. They also highlight the challenges of making sense of increasing amounts of behavioral data.

Due to recent technological developments in acquisition techniques, the field of electron microscopy-based connectomics now produces colossal amounts of data. Here, the authors discuss the practical and analytical challenges associated with such large amounts of data and propose some solutions to surmount them.

Orexins (hypocretins) are involved in a large variety of behaviors and physiological processes including feeding, sleep/wake regulation, and reward. In this perspective, the authors propose a unifying function for orexins in translating motivational activation into sets of processes that support adaptive behaviors.

Large-scale collaborative efforts coupled with new genomic technologies now allow reliable detection of genetic variants influencing risk for major psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this Perspective the authors provide a primer on current genome-wide efforts to identify risk variants and how these may be translated into neurobiological insights.

The authors review the recently observed relationships between breathing and the sensations of smell and vibrissa-based touch. These data and other experimental evidence are used to support the hypothesis that the breathing rhythm serves not only as a motor drive signal, but also as a common clock that binds these two senses into a common percept.

The authors examine papers in high profile journals and find that while collection of multiple observations from a single research object is common practice, such nested data are often analyzed using inappropriate statistical techniques. The authors show that this results in increased Type I error rates, and propose multilevel modelling to address this issue.

In this Perspective, the authors review the literature and suggest that the cognitive pathology that often accompanies preterm birth and/or very low birth weight may be a direct result of perinatal hypoxia that, in turn, leads to perturbations in the maturation and development of interneurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes.

In this Perspective, the author examines how reading and writing the neural code may be linked. He reviews evidence defining the nature of neural coding of sensory input and asks how these constraints, particularly precise timing, might be critical for approaches that seek to ‘write the neural code’ through the artificial control of microcircuits to activate downstream structures.

In their Perspective article, Lattal and Wood discuss the latest progresses on behavioral features of persistent memory formation, and how epigenetics is forcing a re-evaluation of behavioral and molecular distinctions between memory extinction and memory reconsolidation.

Although the nervous and immune systems have been classically considered to modulate physiologically distinct functions, recent evidence points to coordinated activities during neurogenic inflammation. In this perspective, the authors examine the interactions between the peripheral nervous system and the immune response during health and disease.