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Social behaviour changes dramatically during adolescence. Sarah-Jayne Blakemore reviews the recent evidence of structural and functional alterations in areas of the social brain during this period and discusses how these changes might contribute to the development of social behaviour in adolescents. An interview with Sarah-Jayne Blakemore is available for download from theNeuropodpodcast (April 2008).
In recent years the role of the cerebellum in the control of non-motor functions has been acknowledged. Here, Ito elaborates on his hypothesis of internal-model control of mental functions and describes recent findings that provide supporting evidence for the theory.
Many animal species have the ability to discriminate different numerical quantities. Daniel Ansari reviews the neurobiology of basic number processing and discusses how, in humans, systems of basic numerical-magnitude processing and representation are changed through development, learning and culture.
Multisensory integration allows information from multiple senses to be combined, with benefits for nervous-system processing. Stein and Stanford discuss the principles of multisensory integration in single neurons in the CNS and consider the questions that the field must address.
Noise contributes significantly to neuronal and behavioural trial-to-trial variability. Faisal and colleagues discuss the sources and effects of noise in the nervous system as well as the principles used to counter its detrimental effects.
Tracey and Leknes review the emerging evidence of extensive similarities between the anatomical substrates and signalling systems that mediate painful and pleasant sensations. Understanding the relationship between these powerful modulators of behaviour could be important for alleviating unnecessary suffering and improving well-being.
