The primary goal of research is to gather evidence for theories, and contribute to the growth of knowledge through data analysis. Research is extremely important in business decision-making and understanding more about a problem, because it can assist in making better decisions when combined with experience and intuition. Some reasons that support the significance of research include the increase in the ability to acquire knowledge, increase in the ability to build credibility, increase in the potentiality to formulate the route map to business success etc.

Today, neuroscientists have learned a lot about the brain because of advances in brain tools and research. Brain research is involved in the studies of the structure and function of human brains and the nervous system. Understanding the biological basis of learning, memory, behavior, perception, and consciousness is considered the “ultimate challenge” of behavioral brain research. There are, at least, 25 major branches of this type of research. Some branches examine the molecular and cellular basis of the nervous system, neurons, and brain regions. Other branches explore the cultural and behavioral aspects for brain activity and learning, such as brain development research. Early brain development research examines how cells transform and migrate to their roles in the nervous system. There are many different brain research techniques for understanding brain activity. They include reviewing the effects of brain damage and the effects of electrical, chemical (and recently magnetic) stimulation of the brain. Researchers also review measures of electrical and chemical activity of the brain via electroencephalography (EEG). Computer-based brain scans can show the structure or function of the brain through the intact skull. Modern neuroimaging is increasingly used as a brain research technique as well, especially in the improvement of researchers’ understanding of disorders. Other techniques also include Positron Emission Topography (PET), and Function Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).

Specific to neurodegeneration, there have been some recent scientific breakthroughs in brain research. One such breakthrough is the process of “Preventing Neurodegeneration”. Rather than replacing dying cells, scientists at Heidelberg University have unrevealed the key processes involved in the death of brain cells, called neurodegeneration. Steps involved in uncovering the process by which cellular glutamate uptake prevents cell death in healthy people, yet becomes inactive in diseased state like stroke, where oxygen supply to brain cells becomes restricted. This leads to cells killing themselves because they are not getting the correct chemical signals to tell them to stay alive. The researchers then developed a special class of inhibitors that can step in and deactivate the cellular ‘death complex’ before it occurs. These inhibitors showed to be highly effective in protecting the nerve cells, hopefully leading to a new class of treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases.

Research is extremely important to learn more about the brain. Through this program, I have researched three mental diseases including Alzheimer’s Disease(AD), Multiple Sclerosis(MS), and Glioblastoma Multiforme(GBM). AD is a neurodegenerative disease, while MS is an immuno - suppressive signaling disorder, and GBM is a brain tumor. Even though MS and GBM are not considered as neurodegenerative, they involve neural degeneration and apoptosis resulting in death eventually. I have extended my research project in reviewing several research papers that covers different aspects of Alzheimer's which include - Genetics, Molecular Biology, Digital Biomarkers, Therapeutics, Experimental Models, Remote Measurement Technologies, Clinical trials, Cerebrovascular link between TBJ & Alzheimer, Inverse Correlation - Cancer & AD, and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in AD. Reviewing these papers enabled me in writing summaries, submitting a literary review for AD as a Primer, and a Poster to visualize the various aspects. In addition, the study of neurodegeneration has strengthened my knowledge in understanding different underlying concepts. This aided me in writing a White paper for Multiple Sclerosis titled - Cell Signaling and Signal Transduction: Multiple Sclerosis & Receptor Signaling and submitting a presentation for Glioblastoma.

I consider this Extended Research Neuroscience Opportunity as a stepping stone in deepening my roots post the Brain bee Competition, sharpening my knowledge towards the outcomes of different concept involved in Neuroscience, one such being my area of study through this project - Neurodegeneration & Diseases. With this experience, I would further enhance my areas of study, covering different topics in Neuroscience, develop interests in research and land up as a Philomath amidst scholars and scientists.

Sources

Goodrich, Erin R. “Six Reasons Why Research Is Important.” AOFIRS, https://aofirs.org/articles/six-reasons-why-research-is-important.

Penttila, Nicky. “How Do Scientists Study the Brain?” Dana Foundation, Dana Foundation, 6 Sept. 2019, https://dana.org/article/how-do-scientists-study-the-brain/.

“Brain Research.” EMOTIV, 2 Aug. 2022, https://www.emotiv.com/glossary/brain-research/.

“9 Major Neuroscience Breakthroughs of 2020.” Blog, https://www.neurotrackerx.com/post/9-major-neuroscience-breakthroughs-of-2020.