Scholars from around the world gathered online to share new research on how intricately structured neural processes enable plasticity of circuit connections and help integrate incoming information to enable brain function
As if acknowledging the growing appreciation of their roles, not only in providing the infrastructure for brain circuit connections, but also for integrating and processing information, dendrites flamboyantly flail forth from the bodies of neurons, showing off their complex beauty. At the Picower Institute’s online fall symposium, “Dendrites: Molecules, Structure and Function” Oct. 12, neuroscientists drawn to the challenge of untangling understanding from these thickets presented many of the latest findings about how dendrites attain their intricate structure and how that, in turn, makes them versatile contributors to brain functions including perception, learning and memory.
“One of the things that people in the dendrites field have thought about for a while but is now getting broader recognition is that while neurons are computational devices, a lot of that information processing and integration happens almost immediately at the level of the dendrites,” said Elly Nedivi, William R. (1964) & Linda R. Young Professor of Neuroscience in The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory and lead organizer of the meeting. “Dendrite architecture is therefore really critical to these functions, both the anatomy and the molecular composition.”
Mindful of the ongoing need for social distancing and the Picower Institute’s intention to reduce air travel that contributes to climate change, Nedivi arranged an experimental program for the all-online symposium. One of her key goals was to ensure that even with five keynotes by senior researchers, the agenda showcased the work of junior researchers and provided fulfilling networking opportunities. Young neuroscientists delivered 10 public talks and presented in two poster sessions. At multiple private networking opportunities built into the day, senior and junior attendees also had the chance to virtually mingle.
Neuroscientists around the world responded enthusiastically to the program, which spanned a wide swath of time zones. More than 640 people from 32 countries registered to attend presentations by about 60 scientists from a dozen nations.
