Advance the understanding of the brain and the nervous system by bringing together scientists of diverse backgrounds, by facilitating the integration of research directed at all levels of biological organization, and by encouraging translational research and the application of new scientific knowledge to develop improved disease treatments and cures.
Provide professional development activities, information, and educational resources for neuroscientists at all stages of their careers, including undergraduates, graduates, and post doctoral fellows, and increase participation of scientists from a diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Promote public information and general education about the nature of scientific discovery and the results and implications of the latest neuroscience research. Support active and continuing discussions on ethical issues relating to the conduct and outcomes of neuroscience research.
Inform legislators and other policy makers about new scientific knowledge and recent developments in neuroscience research and their implications for public policy, societal benefit, and continued scientific progress.
In addition, the purpose of the Eastern Carolina Chapter is 1) to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information and ideas between East Carolina-area neuroscientists; and 2) through community outreach, to offer educational resources and opportunities for teachers, students and the public in general.
Membership in the Eastern Carolina Chapter shall be open to:
Any person holding advanced degree(s) residing in the State of North Carolina that conducts basic research or performs clinical and/or medical work in neuroscience or its related fields (Regular Membership).
Any student enrolled in programs at degree-granting institutions of higher education within North Carolina (Student Membership).
Any person interested in the neurosciences but not available for regular or student membership (Affiliate) as defined in the bylaws of SFN.
For more information and application, please click here.
The Neuroscience chapter also assists its members and invited speakers by applying for and obtaining:
Travel grants for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to attend the Society for Neuroscience meeting.
The Grass Traveling Scientist Award, which enables local chapters to host leading neuroscientists at their institutions.
SFN Chapter Grants (from $500 to $2000) that support and encourage chapter activities.
Foundation grants that support chapter activities and host leading neuroscientists.
Math predicts size of clot-forming cells Mathematicians have helped biologists figure out why platelets, the cells that form blood clots, are the size and shape that they are. Because platelets are important both for healing wounds and in strokes and other conditions, a better understanding of how they form and behave could have wide implications.
Persistent sensory experience is good for aging brain Despite a long-held scientific belief that much of the wiring of the brain is fixed by adolescence, a new study shows that changes in sensory experience can cause massive rewiring, even as one ages. The study also found this rewiring involves fibers that supply the primary input to the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for sensory perception, motor control and cognition. These findings may open new avenues of research on brain remodeling and aging.
Nervous system: Cellular boundary key to neuronal function A molecule responsible for the proper formation of a key portion of the nervous system finds its way to the proper place not because it is actively recruited, but instead because it can't go anywhere else. Researchers have identified a distal axonal cytoskeleton as the boundary that makes sure AnkyrinG clusters where it needs to so it can perform properly.
