January 11, 2024
• Institute Update • 75th Anniversary

One feature of many internal states is that they are particularly affected by neuromodulators—neuropeptides and other small molecules like serotonin and dopamine that change how information flows through neural circuits. Many existing psychiatric drugs mimic or suppress brain neuromodulators.

Internal states can be associated with everything from sleep and hunger to mood and social behavior. And while people can make conscious choices about their actions, the biologically regulated internal states play an active role in influencing motivation, emotion, and behavior, Dr. Bargmann said.

“I don’t want to say that we do not have cognitive functions, rich experiences, individual human abilities, and free will that guide our behavior,” she said. “But … there is a biology that underlies all of behavior and all the functions of the brain, and it’s good to know when you’re working with that biology and when you’re working against it.”

By better understanding neuromodulators and the biological process of change in internal states, researchers can continue to further our knowledge of mental health, she said.

Second keynote address: Inner workings of microbial membrane proteins… and brains

One of the ways neuroscientists explore brain function is through a technique known as optogenetics. Initially developed by Dr. Deisseroth, the method uses light to modify the electrical activity of cells, including neurons in the brain, and influence behavior.

Using anxiety as an example, Dr. Deisseroth noted that optogenetics studies in animals have enabled researchers to better understand which parts of the brain are involved with behaviors associated with symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Spotlighting the evolution of science

Among other highlights of the symposium, researchers gave talks on topics that included mapping the brain, improvements in electroconvulsive therapy, and the often-long path of developing medications for depression. Researchers also participated in panel discussions, taking audience questions and further discussing their work.