Young Researchers in Neuroscience

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 2631

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Interests: neurology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In this Special Issue, we aim to feature early-career researchers in neuroscience. The senior author(s) of each contribution should be (a) the first or last author and the corresponding author, and (b) have completed their Ph.D in the last 10 years (or equivalent), be an assistant professor, or be on track to receive tenure. We welcome submissions from a range of research fields. Articles submitted to this Special Issue should meet all standard requirements of individual biology articles (regarding quality, novelty, and significance) and be relevant to a broad international and interdisciplinary readership.

Authors contributing to this Special Issue will have the opportunity to be nominated for next year's Young Investigator Award.

Prof. Dr. Yansheng Du
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • neurobiology
  • cell biology
  • molecular mechanisms
  • neural development
  • synaptic function
  • ion channels
  • neurotransmitter systems
  • gene expression
  • neuronal signaling
  • cellular physiology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

37 pages, 3254 KiB  
Review
The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health
by Felipe Rici Azarias, Gustavo Henrique Doná Rodrigues Almeida, Luana Félix de Melo, Rose Eli Grassi Rici and Durvanei Augusto Maria
Biology 2025, 14(4), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040395 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 842
Abstract
The Default Mode Network has been extensively studied in recent decades due to its central role in higher cognitive processes and its relevance for understanding mental disorders. This neural network, characterized by synchronized and coherent activity at rest, is intrinsically linked to self-reflection, [...] Read more.
The Default Mode Network has been extensively studied in recent decades due to its central role in higher cognitive processes and its relevance for understanding mental disorders. This neural network, characterized by synchronized and coherent activity at rest, is intrinsically linked to self-reflection, mental exploration, social interaction, and emotional processing. Our understanding of the DMN extends beyond humans to non-human animals, where it has been observed in various species, highlighting its evolutionary basis and adaptive significance throughout phylogenetic history. Additionally, the DMN plays a crucial role in brain development during childhood and adolescence, influencing fundamental cognitive and emotional processes. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the DMN, addressing its structural, functional, and evolutionary aspects, as well as its impact from infancy to adulthood. By gaining a deeper understanding of the organization and function of the DMN, we can advance our knowledge of the neural mechanisms that underlie cognition, behavior, and mental health. This, in turn, can lead to more effective therapeutic strategies for a range of neuropsychiatric conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Researchers in Neuroscience)
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42 pages, 4503 KiB  
Review
Advances in Huntington’s Disease Biomarkers: A 10-Year Bibliometric Analysis and a Comprehensive Review
by Sarah Aqel, Jamil Ahmad, Iman Saleh, Aseela Fathima, Asmaa A. Al Thani, Wael M. Y. Mohamed and Abdullah A. Shaito
Biology 2025, 14(2), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14020129 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1480
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) cause progressive neuronal loss and are a significant public health concern, with NDs projected to become the second leading global cause of death within two decades. Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare, progressive ND caused by an autosomal-dominant mutation in [...] Read more.
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) cause progressive neuronal loss and are a significant public health concern, with NDs projected to become the second leading global cause of death within two decades. Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare, progressive ND caused by an autosomal-dominant mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, leading to severe neuronal loss in the brain and resulting in debilitating motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. Given the complex pathology of HD, biomarkers are essential for performing early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating treatment efficacy. However, the identification of consistent HD biomarkers is challenging due to the prolonged premanifest HD stage, HD’s heterogeneous presentation, and its multiple underlying biological pathways. This study involves a 10-year bibliometric analysis of HD biomarker research, revealing key research trends and gaps. The study also features a comprehensive literature review of emerging HD biomarkers, concluding the need for better stratification of HD patients and well-designed longitudinal studies to validate HD biomarkers. Promising candidate wet HD biomarkers— including neurofilament light chain protein (NfL), microRNAs, the mutant HTT protein, and specific metabolic and inflammatory markers— are discussed, with emphasis on their potential utility in the premanifest HD stage. Additionally, biomarkers reflecting brain structural deficits and motor or behavioral impairments, such as neurophysiological (e.g., motor tapping, speech, EEG, and event-related potentials) and imaging (e.g., MRI, PET, and diffusion tensor imaging) biomarkers, are evaluated. The findings underscore that the discovery and validation of reliable HD biomarkers urgently require improved patient stratification and well-designed longitudinal studies. Reliable biomarkers, particularly in the premanifest HD stage, are crucial for optimizing HD clinical management strategies, enabling personalized treatment approaches, and advancing clinical trials of HD-modifying therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Researchers in Neuroscience)
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