New Issue Out Now: BRAIN INVASION

The brain is an amazing thing: it allows to think, feel, create and do lots of other less-glamorous things like breathe and digest your lunch. But what's even more amazing is the system that our body has involved to keep it that way. This issue of the newsletter is all about how things can find their way inside our heads- for better or for worse!

 

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First off, have a look at our primer on the different ways in, intracortical implants to poorly cooked food (page 3), and learn more about the body's first line of defense (page 7-8). We also have a first-hand account of a particularly sneaky invader (page 4), as well as clinical reports of foreign objects turning up where they definitely shouldn't be (page 9)! But it's not all bad news! Recent developments have meant that our senses can be augmented (or even repaired, pages 5 and 10), and optogenetics has "illuminated" a whole new realm of experimental possibilities (page 13-14). Are we ready for blending our brains and technology? We have two stories examining the ways authors play with the idea of cyborgs (pages 11-12), as well as providing some thought-provoking watching material (page 7).
Of course, we also have stories from the here and now on campus. What's the point of publishing negative results (page 19)? Are MSc students treated fairly (page 18)? What is it like to work for a big pharma company (page 16)? And, most importantly: what the heck is going on with those yellow buses all over campus (page 21)?

Happy reading, dear readers! We hope that this issue will stick in your head.

Constance Holman and Claudia Willmes
Editors-in-Chief

New Issue Out Now: BEAUTY AND THE BRAIN

The brain is beautiful. From single cells to the sulci and gyri on an MRI, there is a lot to admire. In this issue of the newsletter, we dive into neuroaesthetics, an exciting field studying how beauty is created, understood and valued by the brain. To start things off, why not take a short primer course (page 3), or hear about it straight from the source: scientists working at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics (pages 8-11)? We also take a look at whether beauty is only skin-deep literally (pages 15 and 17) and figuratively (pages 13 and 18-19), and how a pretty face (or not…) impacts your chances in life and academia (pages 5 and 12). Do art and beauty always go hand in hand (pages 16-17 and 20)? What if drugs get into the mixture (page 21)?

As part of a recent scientific writing workshop, we are trying to give the newsletter a ‘makeover’. For this purpose we want to hear from YOU, dear readers! See our survey on the next page, give us your best elevator pitch (page 21) or get involved with writing or editing. On this note, a huge shout-out to new author Nina Stöberl, whose story on page 14 and beautiful image of the neuromuscular junction provided our cover art! Most importantly, we want to cover more topics that are directly relevant to our audience, to that end check out our great front-line reporting and critique on Charité PhD life (pages 22-24).

This issue, we are excited to welcome four new members of our proofreading and editorial team: Bettina Schmerl, Aarti Swaminathan, Malika Renz and Zara Khan. Unfortunately, we also have some sad news as well: Helge, one of co-editors-in-chief is about to finish his PhD, and will transition into the exciting and glamorous world of consulting. Thanks for everything Helge, and thanks for all of your hard work for the newsletter! Replacing Helge and joining Constance as the new EIC is Claudia Willmes, an alumna of AG Eickholt and Schmitz and current editor of our blog. We look forward to working with Claudia and expanding our presence both on the web and the written page.
Beautifully yours,

Constance Holman & Helge Hasselmann co-editors-in-chief

Access the full issue here.

New Issue Out Now! SLEEP

“I have too much to do. I can sleep when I’m dead.” Sounds familiar? Why do we even bother spending a third of our lives unconscious? In this issue of the Snoozeletter (sorry for the pun), we drift off to dreamland to explore one of the most mysterious neurological phenomena of all time.

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Have you ever wondered whether your pets dream (about you, hopefully) (pages 4-5)? Or whether skipping a few hours of shuteye is a good idea? Spoiler alert: it’s not! You need it to remember (page 6), to develop (page 11), and work on your fine motor skills (page 13). And with enough sleep deprivation, you will also learn how things go downhill really fast (pages 9 and 14). Think that your sleeping patterns probably don’t match a 9 to 5 schedule? Check out our article on social jetlag (page 7). We cover this year’s Nobel laureates’ work (page 6) and how it could affect treatment of medical illnesses (page 10). So perhaps you shouldn’t feel so guilty for having that session of Napflix & Chill.

Sounds interesting? Well, we also talked to researchers working in a sleep lab (13), as sleep consultants (14), and even studying lucid dreaming (8). From the busiest human to the humble jellyfi sh (page 5), we all need our shuteye. Or perhaps you are dreaming a new collaborative research project? Hear about this year’s exciting DESIRE conference from our correspondent Aliénor Ragot (14).

So put on your pyjamas, crawl into bed with a glass of Glühwein, and get into December hibernation-mode with some great writing from the Berlin neuroscience community. Happy reading, and enjoy the winter holidays!

Constance Holman & Helge Hasselmann

Co-editors-in-chief

Ever thought about an editorial career?

Springer Nature offices in Berlin invited PhD students and Postdoctoral Researchers to inform them about editorial and publishing careers at Springer Nature. The event took place on November 30, 2017. 

When I got an invitation for the event via the facebook group Career Development Seminar Series (check it out and join!), I jumped at the opportunity to get new ideas on how to proceed in my career, having just recently finished my PhD.

To say the least, my expectations were more than met. The evening started with four editors presenting their career paths, which was very inspiring. This was followed by a more general presentation that gave insights on how an editorial job looks like, what the different positions at Springer Nature are, and how to secure a job at Springer Nature. In the subsequent Q&A session participants asked questions from all angles ranging from how to stand out as an applicant, how the application process looks like, and how high the salaries are.

Afterwards we were invited to chat with the speakers and some more editors over drinks and snacks. Unfortunately I couldn’t eat the snacks as I was so busy talking to people, but it contributed to a very welcoming atmosphere. All in all I found the event very helpful and encouraging! 

If you are as excited as me about disseminating science, enjoy writing and communication, and are keen to read cutting-edge research before it is published, then pursuing a career in the editorial or publishing field could be right for you. 

 

Visit Springer Nature’s editorial and publishing careers page for further information and job openings at www.springernature.com/editorial-and-publishing-jobs or contact Katie Riddle, the Global Editorial Talent Manager at k.ridd@nature.com

Claudia Willmes

PhD Alumna AG Eickholt / AG Schmitz

New Issue Out Now! SPIRITUALITY IN SCIENCE

Is spirituality a topic that neuroscience should shun? We don’t think so! That’s why the September issue of the CNS newsletter is taking a closer look. 

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Besides exploring what religiosity looks like in your brain (pages 3 and 13), we invite you on a journey through the world of psychoactive drugs and plants (pages 6 and 7). But, as our frequent readers know, that’s not where we stop. We looked at what religion itself (page 11) and several “spiritual” practices can do for your mental (and physical) health, including fasting (page 14), meditation (page 5) and yoga (page 12). As a special treat for you, we also sat down with neuroscientists from Berlin to find out how they relate to faith (pages 8-9).
While some people struggle with bringing the spiritual and the worldly together in the workplace, we don't! In fact, this issue features one of the longest career sections in the history of our newsletter. We are excited to cover an interview with a neuroscientist-turned-yoga-teacher (pages 16-17), a recap of this year’s BioBusiness Summer School and annual Neurasmus meeting (page 18) and show you how to use activating teaching methods (page 19). And if you don’t agree with our take, we will even show you how to call BS (page 20).

Want to find out more? Stay tuned for the next postings!

Amen, Namaste, Salem Aleikum, Shalom and happy reading!

Helge Hasselmann Constance Holman
Co-editors-in-chief

This editorial originally appeared September 2017 in CNS Volume 10, Issue 3, Spirituality in Science

NEW ISSUE OUT NOW!

Big data (and big changes!) on the horizon! 

Welcome to our June edition of the newsletter, celebrating and critiquing the digitalization of (neuro)science. And it’s everywhere- both on (page 15 and 17), in (page 13), and around you (page 3). For some, digitalization may be a saving grace for medicine (pages 9 and 13), while to others, the physical and societal cons (pages 8 and 16, respectively) outweigh the pros. We also get to the burning questions on everyone’s mind: Can I fall in love with a robot (page 5)? Will machine learning steal my job (page 14)? And how much time is TOO much time online (page 18)?

One thing you have likely notice is our new look, made possible by the good people at Charité’s internal design service. We are excited to work with them, and help the newsletter reach a whole new audience. 

Finally, the CNS newsletter is spreading outside of Berlin! This issue, please welcome new contributor Alena Deuerlein, an MSc student from Goethe University Frankfurt, as well as Apoorva Madipakkam, now based at the Univeristy of Lübeck. A big thanks as well to the newest member of our editorial team, Silvina Romero Suárez. All of this brought to you by the wonderful world of digital communication and networking.

Happy reading!

Helge Hasselmann & Constance Holman, co-editors-in-chief

New Issue Out Now: DIVERSITY IN NEUROSCIENCE

Putting together this issue of the newsletter, we’ve been surrounded by a swirl of geopolitical controversy about religious, ethnic, and sexual minorities.  As scientists, we’re often far removed from the headlines, yet still have to confront the reality that often, research is only accessible to a small group of people worldwide. Looking around at our MedNeuro cohort, it’s hard not be inspired: we’re multinational, multilingual and incredibly diverse! Who better to start talking about making science more democratic and accessible?

This issue of the newsletter was originally meant to be part of International Women’s Day celebrations (March 8^th), and as such, many articles revolve around the role of women in (neuro)science. As such, we check out just what’s up with the Leaky Pipeline (page 3) and take a closer look at the cold, hard facts on women in science (including specifically at the Charité, pages 10,11 and 19). However, these data are complex, and not everyone agrees on what lies behind these trends (pages 6,7 and 20).

However, we also realized that it’s equally important to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of individuals from other types of minorities in science. Several articles are about individuals with physical disabilities and socioeconomic disadvantages (pages 13 and 16), as well as those from different countries trying to make it in Germany (page 15). We also take a special look at scientists who identify as being on the autism spectrum (page 9), though some argue the label itself is harmful (page 16).

Finally, we have both exciting and sad news about the newsletter. First, our long-time editorial team member Claudia Willmes (née Bentz) has been busy putting up articles on our new website, cns-newsletter.blogspot.de Check it out! This will be the final issue from our co-editor-in-chief, Ahmed Khalil. Ahmed will be stepping back to focus on finishing his PhD, and working toward a bright future in neuro/radio-logy. Stepping in to take his place is Helge Hasselmann from AG Otte/Paul. Welcome Helge, good luck Ahmed, and above all, happy reading!

Constance Holman and Ahmed Khalil - Editors-in-Chief