ACS Nano, Journal Year: 2013, Volume and Issue: 7(3), P. 1850 - 1866

Published: March 20, 2013

Neuroscience is at a crossroads. Great effort being invested into deciphering specific neural interactions and circuits. At the same time, there exist few general theories or principles that explain brain function. We attribute this disparity, in part, to limitations current methodologies. Traditional neurophysiological approaches record activities of one neuron neurons time. Neurochemical focus on single neurotransmitters. Yet, an increasing realization circuits operate emergent levels, where between hundreds thousands neurons, utilizing multiple chemical transmitters, generate functional states. Brains function nanoscale, so tools study brains must ultimately scale, as well. Nanoscience nanotechnology are poised provide rich toolkit novel methods explore by enabling simultaneous measurement manipulation activity even millions neurons. others refer goal Brain Activity Mapping Project. In Nano Focus, we discuss how recent developments nanoscale analysis design synthesis nanomaterials have generated optical, electrical, can readily be adapted for use neuroscience. These represent exciting areas technical development research. Moreover, unique opportunities nanoscientists, nanotechnologists, other physical scientists engineers contribute tackling challenging problems involved understanding fundamentals

Language: Английский