Conducting Neuroscience Research

Neuroscientists look at the brain in many different ways, at many different levels. There are systems neuroscientists, cell and molecular biologists, and cognitive neuroscientists, just to name a few. By studying neuroscience at multiple levels, we can begin to create a picture of the whole brain.

Basic research is not what its name implies; most of the time it is incredibly challenging. It is also incredibly important, because the goal of basic research is to understand how things work, whether that means the overall big picture or the smallest components that make up the big picture.

A model system is the name used for particular species of animals that have features similar enough to humans that the research conducted on them can be applied to how humans also work. Scientists often choose model systems based on the type of questions their research is asking. Some animals are better for studying behavioral phenomena, while others are better for studying neuronal pathways.

For a deeper look at how scientists work with model systems, visit the researcher profiles.