Associative cortex features in the first olfactory brain relay station.

Synchronized firing of mitral cells (MCs) in the olfactory bulb (OB) has been hypothesized to help bind information together in olfactory cortex (OC). In this survey of synchronized firing by suspected MCs in awake, behaving vertebrates, we find the surprising result that synchronized firing conveys information on odor value ("Is it rewarded?") rather than odor identity ("What is the odor?"). We observed that as mice learned to discriminate between odors, synchronous firing responses to the rewarded and unrewarded odors became divergent.

Genetic Analysis of the Touch Response in Zebrafish ().

Both mammals and zebrafish possess mechanosensory neurons that detect tactile sensation via free nerve endings. However, the basis for mechanotransduction and the unique cellular properties of these sensory neurons are poorly understood. We review the advantages of zebrafish for studies of the biological mechanisms involved in touch sensitivity.

A functional and structural study of emotion and face processing in children with autism.

Children with autism exhibit impairment in the processing of socioemotional information. The amygdala, a core structure centrally involved in socioemotional functioning, has been implicated in the neuropathology of autism. We collected structural and functional magnetic resonance images (MRI) in children 8 to 12 years of age with high-functioning autism (n=12) and typical development (n=15).

Variable cortisol circadian rhythms in children with autism and anticipatory stress.

Objective: Autism is characterized by impairment in communication and social interaction, by repetitive behaviours and by difficulty in adapting to novel experiences. The objective of the current investigation was to replicate and extend our previous findings showing variable circadian rhythm and significant elevations in cortisol following exposure to a novel stimulus (mock magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]).

Methods: Circadian rhythms of cortisol were estimated in 22 children with and 22 children without autism via analysis of salivary samples collected in the morning, afternoon and evening over 6 separate days.