Mapping Neurons, Gut-Brain Link, and Understanding Addiction
2016 in Neuroscience at the Academy
Published December 20, 2016

What is the connection between the gut microbiome and the brain? Can a computer game help researchers in mapping neurons? How can neurobiology help us understanding addiction in teens? In 2016, an event at the Academy sought to answer these questions—and more—in neuroscience.
![]() | News ItemBreakthroughs in Addiction ResearchHear from the NIH's Nora D. Volkow and George K. Koob about the neurobiology of addiction. |
![]() | VideoWhy Are Teenagers so Susceptible to Addiction?In this short video excerpt from our special event "Arrested Development: The Teenage Brain and Substance Abuse," Nora D. Volkow, MD, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, U.S. National Institutes of Health, speaks about addiction and the teenage brain. |
![]() | News ItemHumans Beat Computers at Mapping NeuronsLearn how human gamers are helping scientists and computers draw more accurate maps of the human retina. |
![]() | eBriefingThe Addicted Brain and New Treatment Frontiers: Sixth Annual Aspen Brain ForumLeading experts, including NIAAA and NIDA directors, discuss the latest on neurobiology of addiction; susceptibility of the teen brain; new treatment strategies; and social, economic, political, and legislative aspects of this disease. |
![]() | eBriefingAdvances in Human Microbiome Science: Gut–Brain InteractionThere is growing interest in the connection between gut microbiota and the central nervous system. This eBriefing discusses gut–brain interactions and the possibility of targeting the microbiome with a focus on CNS health. |
![]() | eBriefingAlzheimer's Disease and Tau: Pathogenic Mechanisms and Therapeutic ApproachesTau pathology is a hallmark of many devastating neurological disorders, including frontotemporal dementia, TBI, Down syndrome, focal cortical dysplasia, and Alzheimer's disease. This eBriefing explores tau-related mechanisms of neurodegeneration and emerging therapeutic strategies focused on tau. |
![]() | eBriefingNeuronal Connectivity in Brain Function and DiseaseDetailed understanding of neuronal connectivity promises unprecedented insights into the brain and its disorders and new options for diagnosis and therapy. This eBriefing explores work to map the brain and define its circuitry. |
![]() | eBriefingSurgery and Cognition: Delirium, Cognitive Decline, and Opportunities to Protect the BrainSurgery helps millions of Americans overcome illness to live longer, healthier lives. Yet surgery can lead to delirium, cognitive decline, and perhaps even a higher long-term risk of dementia for many patients, a risk that is poorly understood and often under-recognized in the clinic. With numerous factors—including age—contributing to each patient's level of risk, what are the challenges and opportunities to create biomarkers and therapeutics for those who are most vulnerable? |