Top 10 Neuroscience Trends of 2007

Neurotechnology Industry Organization Unveils Top 10 Neuroscience Trends of 2007
Ten emerging areas of neuroscience that will impact the future oftreatments for brain and nervous systemSAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Neurotechnology IndustryOrganization (NIO) today announced the top ten emerging areas ofneuroscience that will impact the future of treatments for brain andnervous system. According to NIO, the trade association that represents the500 companies worldwide developing treatments for the brain and nervoussystem, the U.S. economic burden of brain-related disorders has reachedmore than $1 trillion, highlighting the acute need for continuedneuroscience research and therapeutic development."Advances across a wide spectrum of neuroscience research are makingpossible the development of more effective treatments for the nearly 100million Americans and 2 billion people worldwide that currently suffer frombrain-related illnesses," said Zack Lynch, Executive Director of NIO.Top 10 Trends of 2007:1. Advancing discovery tools underpin innovation: Beyond biochips andbrain imaging, recent advances in neuroinformatics, image-based neuralcircuit analysis, and neural computation are accelerating the pace ofneuroscientific discovery beyond what was imagined a decade ago.2. Neuroimmunology leading to new treatment targets: The discovery thatimmune molecules play a crucial role in shaping neuronal connectionsopens up new treatment targets for Alzheimer‘s, autism, ALS,Parkinson‘s, schizophrenia, and nerve injury.3. National Neurotechnology Initiative: Momentum for the new $200M/yearfederal R&D initiative aimed at accelerating translational neurotechinnovation and improving the effectiveness of FDA review process forneuroscience drugs, devices and diagnostics grows.4. Neurodevice interfaces improve prosthetics and treatments: Advancedbrain-machine interfaces (BMI) enable the severely handicapped toindependently compose e-mails and operate a TV in their homes. Otherneurodevices provide functional stimulation for the treatment of pain,Parkinson‘s, obesity, and psychiatric disorders.5. Addiction advances: New research clarifies the role of drugs on sleep,cocaine‘s potency, and the brain changes that occur due to abuseleading to new treatment strategies for this epidemic impacting over1.1 billion worldwide.6. Normal aging brain gets more attention: More research and developmentis being focused on thinking impairments that only partially limitindependence and quality of life for senior citizens, adults andschool aged children. Neurosoftware will penetrate nursing homes andschools, as brain fitness software becomes new first-line treatmentstrategy.7. Regenerating the spinal cord: New experimental therapies indevelopment could open the doors for research to improve treatmentsfor people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, andother severe movement disorders8. Prevention evidence grows: You are what you eat; smoking is as bad aswe thought; and new studies reveal the effects of environmentalsubstances on Alzheimer‘s disease, Parkinson‘s disease and others.9. Emotional disorders research advances: New research continues to linkneurogenesis to treatment of depression. A better understanding ofPTSD should lead to new treatment regimes.10. Neuroscience infiltrates society: From neuroeconomics toneuroesthetics to neuroethics and neurolaw, the influence ofneuroscience on society continues to grow.NIO has developed this "top ten" list in anticipation of cutting edgeresearch being presented at The Society for Neuroscience Conference beingheld in San Diego, California, November 3-7. NIO will be hosting a booth(#4311) and neurotech industry partnering social at the conference.About the Neurotechnology Industry OrganizationThe Neurotechnology Industry Organization (NIO) is the tradeassociation representing companies involved in neuroscience -- drugs,devices and diagnostics, brain research centers, and advocacy groups acrossthe world. More information can be found athttp://www.neurotechindustry.orgContact:Zack LynchNeurotechnology Industry Organizationzack@neurotechindustry.org415-341-0193Ross GillfillanFeinstein Kean Healthcareross.gillfillan@fkhealth.com415-503-0197 SOURCE The Neurotechnology Industry Organization