Neurobiology is the study of cells of the nervous system and the organization of these cells into functional circuits that process information and mediate behaviorShepard, G. M. (1994). Neurobiology. 3rd Ed. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195088433. It is a subdiscipline of both biology and neuroscience. Neurobiology differs from neuroscience, a much broader field that is concerned with any scientific study of the nervous system. Neurobiology should also not be confused with other subdisciplines of neuroscience such as computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, biological psychiatry, neurology, and neuropsychology despite the overlap with these subdisciplines. Scientists that study neurobiology are called neurobiologists.
Neurons are cells that are specialized to receive, propagate, and transmit electrochemical impulses. In the human brain alone, there are over a hundred billion neurons. Neurons are diverse with respect to morphology and function. Thus, not all neurons correspond to the stereotypical motor neuron with dendrites and myelinated axons that conduct action potentials. Some neurons such as photoreceptors for example, do not have myelinated axons that conduct action potentials. Other unipolar neurons found in invertebrates do not even have distinguishing processes such as dendrites. Moreover, the distinctions based on function between neurons and other cells such as cardiac and muscle cells are not helpful. Thus, the fundamental difference between a neuron and a nonneuronal cell is a matter of degree.
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Shuffle Brain - How does a brain store a mind? A large collection of articles, essays, and links related to brain science. From Indiana University.
Meta Description: [ Quest for the biology of the mind. ]
Brain Development - Strives to be inter- and multi-disciplinary by drawing on experts from developmental psychology, developmental neurobiology, and developmental/behavioral pediatrics.
Brain Seminar - Describes people and projects of hearing and balance research in Germany.
Neurosciences - Lists of Internet sources in neurology, neurosurgery, and neurosciences, and nervous system diseases.
Meta Description: [ From the University of Iowa, the *best* lists of Internet sources in neurology, neurosciences, and nervous system diseases. ]
Advanced Brain Monitoring - Develops portable brain monitoring devices that interpret the brain's electrical activity and identify levels of alertness or drowsiness, using patent-pending B-Alert software.
Auditory Physiology and Biophysics - Cellular basis of information processing in the auditory system. Potassium channels, modeling, synaptic transmission, and dendritic integration.
Behavioral Neuroscience - Memorial to Shirley L. Buchanan and her contribution to behavioral neuroscience research. Includes information about her and other associated scientists, particularly journal publications.
BESA - Innovators in digital EEG and MEG software for research and clinical applications.
Biophysics of Neuronal Computation - Using the detailed biophysics and microanatomy of cortical neurons to study their complexity from an information theory point of view - from the California Inst. of Technology.
Meta Description: [ Fireworks Splice HTML ]
Brain and Behavior, from Serendip - Interactive exhibits, forum, and links aimed at exploring the observational basis and significance of the assertion that the nervous system underlies all aspects of human behavior and experience.
Brain Update - Science Friday audio discussion with Martin Citron, Charles Gross, and Evan Snyder on the 1999 discovery that new neurons are continually being added to the brains of adult monkeys, even to parts of the brain responsible for very high-level functioning, and what this might mean for learning, memory and the treatment of neurological diseases. Features related links.
Meta Description: [ October 22, 1999, Hour One: Brain Update ]
Brain-Mind.com - Everything you ever wanted to know about the brain and the mind, but were afraid to ask.
BrainInfo: A Primate Brain Information System - Extensive resource to belp site visitors identify structures in the brain. Provides information about each structure, including comparative neuroanatomy of primates and rodents.
Meta Description: [ BrainInfo is a portal to anatomical information about the brains of humans, monkeys, rats and mice; it is also a repository for extensive image data on the macaque brain. ]
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Brandi Ormerod - Describes how neurogenesis in the adult brain is regulated by steroids and the immune system. Lists research, papers, talks, posters and awards. Phd from University of British Columbia. Currently doing post doctorate work at the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Meta Description: [ Stanford University search engine and directories. ]
Center for Consciousness Studies - Interdisciplinary program promoting open, scientifically rigorous discussions of all phenomena related to the mind. Includes course, conference and workshop listings - from the Univ. of Arizona.
Contemporary Philosophy of Mind - An annotated bibliography of recent work in the philosophy of mind, philosophy of cognitive science, philosophy of artificial intelligence, and on consciousness in the sciences.
Meta Description: [ A bibliography of work in the philosophy of mind, the philosophy of cognitive science, and the science of consciousness consisting of over 18,000 entries organized by fine-grained topics. Both online and offline material is included, with links wherever possible. Compiled by David Chalmers (edito... ]
Evogen LC - Offering a compilation of current research on: genetics, brain and mind.
Meta Description: [ Compilation of research on the link between personality,
behavior, and genes; and how family law influences reproductive behavior ]
Imaging the Deaf Brain - A research project exploring how British Sign Language (BSL) is processed by deaf people, with BSL translations of findings to date.
Ion Channels, Transmitters, Receptors, and Disease - Extensive review of ion channel biology and related neuromuscular pathology - from Washington Univ.-St. Louis.
Microiontophoresis - A practical guide to the art of microiontophoresis employed in neuroscience research.
NeuroDetective - Contract research firm specializing in testing the functional efficacy of potential CNS therapeutics in animal models, with an additional focus on behavioural evaluation of genetically altered animals.
Meta Description: [ NeuroDetective International: Pre-clinical Contract Research Organization, Pharmaceutical disorders research and testing ]
Neurology and Neurosciences Journals - Many useful links and information for neuroscientists, neurologists and fMRI researchers, such as funding opportunities, jobs, conferences, and brain atlas.
Meta Description: [ functional MRI ( fMRI ) links and information ]
Neuroscience on the Internet - A searchable and browsable index of neuroscience resources available on the Internet.
Meta Description: [ Neurosciences on the Internet contains a searchable and browsable index of neuroscience resources available on the World Wide Web and other parts of the Internet. Neurobiology, neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, psychology, cognitive science sites and information on human neurological diseases... ]
Neurosciences - Examine everything from how neurons communicate with each other to the physiological processes that govern the way we act and think. From About.com.
Meta Description: [ An extensive homework and learning resource for students, parents and teachers. For students of all levels, we offer homework help, college admissions information and the latest scoop on distance learning, adult education programs, and graduate school. Educators will find lesson plans and class... ]
Neurotrophic Factors - Information on neurotrophic factors.
NINDS Neuron Fact Sheet - Educational booklet about how neurons develop, function, and die, prepared by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Meta Description: [ The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is the leading supporter of biomedical research on disorders of the brain and nervous system. ]
Olfaction - Current understanding of the physiological basis for olfaction (sense of smell) and the possible molecular interactions that specify odorant signaling.
Principles of Psychobiology - Interactive software study guide in psychobiology and neuroscience - for purchase from Red Reef Publications.
Meta Description: [ Red Reef Publications offers a variety of learning resources in the brain sciences including brain models, charts, software, and new and used books. ]
Processes in Animal Vision - A new advanced text on all aspects of the visual system. Major sections on physiology, the photoreceptor cell, the neuron and the performance of the eye.
Meta Description: [ A comprehensive theory and description of the neural system from the signaling network, morphology, cytology, molecular, and electrolytic perspectives. Research discovered the Activa, the active electrolytic semiconductor device within the neuron. Sections are provided for various education leve... ]
Psychology Exploratorium in Biological Foundations of Psychology - Articles and links on Biological Psychology.
Meta Description: [ Explore the biological bases of behavior and emotions in the PsycWorld University Psychology Exploratorium ]
Scientific American Frontiers - Learn more about the fascinating human brain and uncover startling new evidence of our brain's ability to change, plus, take a virtual tour of the famous organ.
Meta Description: [ Join Alan Alda and some of the nation's top neuroscientists as
they uncover startling new evidence of our brains' ability to grow and change. ]
Synapse Web - Scientific resources for the study of synapse structure and function, including tutorials on neurocytology, software, 3D data, and reconstructions from serial electron microscopy.
Meta Description: [ On synapses, synaptic plasticity and neuropathology ]
Telluride Workshop on Neuromorphic Engineering - A three-week workshop focused on bringing together researchers from academia with their counterparts in industry, working on sensory systems and sensory-motor integration.
The Brain Page - Eclectic collection of thought-provoking, quasi-scientific opinions on brain function.
The Myelin Group - Research concerning the correct formation and maintenance of the myelin sheath. Includes publications, members, photo gallery, and views and opinions. University of Oulu.
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The Octopus Research Group - Research group, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, working on the motor control of the cephalopod's (octopus vulgaris) flexible arm.
The Science of Sleep - Science Friday audio discussion of why we need sleep, with Clifford Saper, David White, and Craig Heller.
Meta Description: [ March 22, 1996, Hour Two:The Science of Sleep ]
The W.U.S.M. Neuroscience Tutorial - Excellent tutorial for neuroscience.
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