How do DEI initiatives impact STEMM, and why do we still need them?

The number of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) have grown over the last few years. We asked several Black scientists what impact they have and why STEMM still needs them. They answer these questions and describe how DEI initiatives should evolve.

A developmental approach to diversifying neuroscience through effective mentorship practices: perspectives on cross-identity mentorship and a critical call to action.

Many early-career neuroscientists with diverse identities may not have mentors who are more advanced in the neuroscience pipeline and have a congruent identity due to historic biases, laws, and policies impacting access to education. Cross-identity mentoring relationships pose challenges and power imbalances that impact the retention of diverse early career neuroscientists, but also hold the potential for a mutually enriching and collaborative relationship that fosters the mentee's success. Additionally, the barriers faced by diverse mentees and their mentorship needs may evolve with career progression and require developmental considerations.

Proceedings from the Albert Charitable Trust Inaugural Workshop on 'Understanding the Acute Effects of Exercise on the Brain'.

An inaugural workshop supported by "The Leo and Anne Albert Charitable Trust," was held October 4-7, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona, to focus on the effects of exercise on the brain and to discuss how physical activity may prevent or delay the onset of aging-related neurodegenerative conditions. The Scientific Program Committee (led by Dr. Jeff Burns) assembled translational, clinical, and basic scientists who research various aspects of the effects of exercise on the body and brain, with the overall goal of gaining a better understanding as to how to delay or prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Antigen-induced Ca2+ mobilization in RBL-2H3 cells: role of I(1,4,5)P3 and S1P and necessity of I(1,4,5)P3 production.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) has long been recognized as a second messenger for intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Recently, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to be involved in Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we investigated the role of S1P and IP3 in antigen (Ag)-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in RBL-2H3 mast cells.