Dan Feldman - Goals of Neuroscience

Q: What is the main focus of the neuroscience course?

A: To provide a survey of current neuroscience research, covering topics from molecules to mind, technology, and computation.

Q: What is the goal of the neuroscience course?

A: To engage students in understanding how neuroscience research is conducted and to provide insight into modern neuroscience.

Q: What levels of brain function does the course aim to teach?

A: From microscopic proteins and cells to macroscopic whole-brain systems and areas.

Q: How does the course relate the brain to behavior?

A: By understanding the neural basis of behavior and cognition.

Q: What is the role of technology in neuroscience as per the course?

A: Exploring the brain as a computational system and its applications in technology.

Q: Define neuroscience.

A: Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the brain and nervous system, combining biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Q: What are the main goals of neuroscience research?

A: To understand brain function, develop new treatments, improve technology, and understand behavior and cognition.

Q: What is neural development?

A: The study of how the brain develops and grows.

Q: What is computational neuroscience?

A: The study of the brain as a computational system and its technological applications.

Q: What is neurodiversity?

A: Recognizing and understanding the diversity of human brains and accepting that diversity.

Q: How is addiction viewed in neuroscience?

A: As a disease rather than a moral failure.

Q: What does molecular and cellular neuroscience study?

A: The structure and function of individual neurons, including the proteins and genes that allow them to work.

Q: What is the focus of cognitive neuroscience?

A: Studying brain mechanisms involved in high-order functions like memory, learning, and language.

Q: What are the key steps in the neuroscience research process?

A: Proposal, review, approval, oversight, and publication.

Q: Name three funding sources for neuroscience research.

A: Government agencies, private research funds, and disease-related foundations.

Q: What is the purpose of Phase 1 clinical trials?

A: To test safety and tolerability of treatments in a small group of people.

Q: Why is ongoing monitoring necessary after a treatment is approved?

A: To ensure continued safety and effectiveness and to withdraw treatments if necessary.

Q: What is translational research?

A: Moving basic science findings into clinical applications, often starting with animal models.

Q: Give an example of translational research success.

A: The discovery of an immune checkpoint molecule leading to cancer immunotherapy.

Q: What are brain-machine interfaces?

A: Technology that allows people to control devices with their thoughts.

Q: What is neuromorphic engineering?

A: Developing computer chips that mimic the function of the brain.

Q: What principles guide animal research in neuroscience?

A: Use minimal animals, ensure humane treatment, and avoid unnecessary duplication of studies.

Q: What agency oversees human research protection?

A: The Human Research Protection Program or the Committee of Protection of Human Subjects.

Which of the following statements about neuroscience research is INCORRECT?
A. Neuroscience research often involves interdisciplinary fields such as biology, psychology, and mathematics.
B. Government agencies such as the NIH and NSF are primary sources of funding for neuroscience research.
C. Neuroscience research primarily focuses on computational technologies and does not investigate behavior or cognition.
D. Animal research in neuroscience requires careful oversight to minimize pain and distress to animals.

Correct Answer: C

Which of the following is NOT a phase of clinical trials?
A. Phase 1: Testing safety and tolerability in a small group of participants.
B. Phase 2: Assessing safety and efficacy in a larger group.
C. Phase 3: Large-scale testing to compare treatment to placebo or existing treatments.
D. Phase 4: Testing the treatment on animals after human trials are complete.

Correct Answer: D

Which subfield of neuroscience focuses on the structure and function of individual neurons?
A. Computational neuroscience
B. Cognitive neuroscience
C. Molecular and cellular neuroscience
D. Circuit systems and behavioral neuroscience

Correct Answer: C

Which of the following is TRUE about translational research in neuroscience?
A. It skips animal models and goes directly to human applications.
B. It is designed only for the study of rare diseases.
C. It involves applying basic science findings to clinical settings.
D. It avoids involvement with technological applications.

Correct Answer: C

What is neurodiversity?
A. The study of brain mechanisms underlying memory and language.
B. The acceptance and understanding of the diversity of human brains.
C. A computational approach to brain research.
D. A method of clinical trial development in neuroscience.

Correct Answer: B

True or False: All neuroscience research proposals must be approved by an oversight board before the research begins.

Answer: True

True or False: Neuromorphic engineering refers to the use of biological models in behavioral studies.

Answer: False

True or False: Addiction is increasingly understood in neuroscience as a disease rather than a moral failure.

Answer: True

What are the main goals of neuroscience research?

Answer: To understand brain function, develop new treatments and therapies, improve technology, and understand the neural basis of behavior and cognition.

What is the role of the FDA in clinical trials for neuroscience treatments?

Answer: The FDA oversees the approval process for treatments, ensuring they pass through preclinical trials and multiple clinical trial phases (1-3) to test for safety and efficacy before approval.

Explain the difference between computational neuroscience and cognitive neuroscience.

Answer: Computational neuroscience uses mathematical and computational models to understand brain function, while cognitive neuroscience focuses on brain mechanisms underlying higher-order cognitive functions like memory, learning, and decision-making.

What are the ethical considerations involved in animal research for neuroscience?

Answer: Researchers must ensure the minimum use of animals, treat them humanely, minimize pain or distress, and avoid unnecessary duplication of experiments.

Match the neuroscience subfield to its focus:

A. Molecular and cellular neuroscience

B. Circuit systems and behavioral neuroscience

C. Cognitive neuroscience

D. Computational neuroscience

1. Focuses on algorithms and brain computations.

2. Examines neuron groups and their role in behavior.

3. Studies individual neurons and related proteins/genes.

4. Explores memory, learning, and language mechanisms.

Answer:

• A -> 3

• B -> 2

• C -> 4

• D -> 1