Neuroscience

The study of the nervous system's molecular, cellular, developmental, and functional aspects comprises neuroscience research, and is key to understanding the many facets of human sleep, pain, and addiction.

Researchers in SRI’s Center for Health Sciences Neuroscience Program conduct extensive research using biochemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, electrophysiology, and behavioral testing techniques. They also study the brain's structure and function using magnetic resonance imaging technology.

SRI's Center for Neuroscience and Metabolic Diseases combines world-class basic science with contract research to provide an environment ideal to partner with clients and help advance research and development programs. We conduct basic research in sleep, circadian rhythms, pain, and addiction using techniques in biochemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, electrophysiology, and behavioral testing.

Projects

scientist working at a computer
Improving Cognitive Deficits

SRI is investigating novel methods and treatments to improve cognitive deficits caused by diseases such as Alzheimer’s and depression.

Topics: Behavioral Health Behavioral Pharmacology Cognition and Central Nervous System Disorders Drug Discovery Human Sleep Neuroscience Stress Disorders
nicotinic receptors affect brain activity
Role of Alpha6 Nicotinic Receptors in Smoking

To support more effective cessation treatments, SRI researchers are exploring how nicotinic receptors affect brain activity in response to smoking.

Topics: Addiction Research Neuroscience
diagram of nicotinic receptors
Role of Nicotinic Receptors in Parkinson’s Disease

SRI is investigating whether the nicotine in tobacco smoke may be useful in meeting the urgent need to manage Parkinson’s disease.

Topics: Addiction Research Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience
cigarette being snapped in half
Treatment of Nicotine Dependence in a Healthcare Setting

SRI is analyzing the genetics of smoking and related characteristics, using data from a large-scale National Cancer Institute study on smoking cessation.

Topics: Addiction Research Aging Research Basic Cancer Research Disease Focus Areas Human Sleep Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience Twins Research
twin boys
Twin Research Registry at SRI International

SRI established the Twin Research Registry as part of its scientific research and efforts to discover more about human behavior. Fraternal and identical twins and multiples of all ages are invited to join the Registry for consideration for research studies.

Topics: Addiction Research Aging Research Behavioral Health Disease Focus Areas Human Sleep Metabolic Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience Sleep Disorders Twins Research

Press Releases

Gary Swang, director of SRI International's Center for Health Sciences
Gary Swan Elected President of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco

Gary E. Swan, Ph.D., director of SRI International's Center for Health Sciences, has been elected by the membership of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) as its president-elect and will serve as president in 2012.

Topics: Addiction Research Aging Research Disease Focus Areas Human Sleep Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience Sleep Disorders Statistical Analysis
image of a mouse brain
Inscopix Inc. and SRI International to Collaborate on Brain Imaging R&D

Researchers from SRI’s Center for Neuroscience and Metabolic Diseases will use Inscopix’s nVista HD imaging system to gain a better understanding of normal brain function and the dysfunctions of neural circuitry that underlie neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Topics: Addiction Research Behavioral Health Medical Imaging Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience
Joseph Rogers
Joseph Rogers Joins SRI International as Executive Director of New Health Sciences Section in Biosciences Division

In his career, Rogers has focused on age-related neurologic diseases. He is best known for showing that inflammatory responses occur in almost all major age-related brain disorders and cause substantial damage, with his seminal paper in the area receiving nearly 1,200 citations to date.

Topics: Addiction Research Aging Research Behavioral Health Biomarkers Human Sleep Metabolic Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience
Adolf Pfefferbaum
Research Society on Alcoholism Selects SRI's Adolf Pfefferbaum for Its 2011 Distinguished Researcher Award

The Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA) awarded its 2011 Distinguished Researcher Award to Adolf Pfefferbaum, M.D., director of the Neuroscience Program in the Center for Health Sciences at SRI International and a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Topics: Addiction Research Aging Research Neuroscience
SRI International and F. Hoffmann-La Roche Launch Translational Medicine Collaboration to Study Methods and Treatments Associated with Cognitive Deficits across Neuropsychiatric Disorders

SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development organization, announced today that its Center for Neuroscience has entered into a research collaboration with F. Hoffmann-La Roche.

Topics: Neuroscience
SRI International Awarded Contract from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to Develop Chemical Agent Countermeasures

SRI International was awarded a $9.5 million contract by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to develop medical countermeasures to prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions caused by potential and existing chemical agents of terrorism.

Topics: Neuroscience
SRI International Executives Discuss Drug Discovery & Development at BioJapan 2009

A luncheon seminar will focus on SRI International’s work in cancer research, immunology and inflammation, infectious disease, and neuroscience.

Topics: Basic Cancer Research Neuroscience
SRI International Expands Neurosciences Research with New Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Program

SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development institute, announced today that a new Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Program has been established within its Center for Health Sciences.

Topics: Disease Focus Areas Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience
SRI International Researcher Named American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow

SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development institute, announced today that Thomas S. Kilduff, Ph.D., director of SRI International's Center for Neuroscience, has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Topics: Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience
Cafe Scienfique Silicon Valley @ SRI: Raging Hormones and Their Effects on a Woman's Sleep Quality over Her Lifetime (Part 3)

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