Human Neuroscience

The human brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body. It is the organ responsible for all the components that make us what we are – conscious thought, memory, emotions, movement, and behavior. Neuroscientists study the human brain in order to gain an understanding of how it works, how it influences behavior, and how it is affected by abnormalities. Neuroscientists use a variety of methods to gain insight into the workings of the brain. These methods range from molecular techniques such as gene expression analyses, to techniques that measure brain activity such as EEG and fMRI scanning. With the advent of these techniques, researchers are beginning to uncover the intricate mechanisms that the brain uses to support cognition, emotions, behavior, and movement. The study of the human brain is a relatively new field and has been made possible by advances in technology. Recent advances have allowed scientists to use tools such as optogenetics, which can activate or inhibit neuronal activity within the brain, and gene editing, which can modify the genetic expression of specific genes and answer questions about gene-brain-behavior connections. In addition to understanding the underlying biochemistry of the brain, neuroscientists are also researching how our environment can affect the brain. This includes studying how trauma, environment, and lifestyle factors can influence our thoughts and behavior. Understanding these complex relationships can allow us to better tailor our environment to benefit our brains, and ultimately well-being. To better understand the brain, researchers are taking advantage of cross-disciplinary studies such as cognitive neuroscience, which applies their methods of study from multiple disciplines.