Domestic researchers won the Brain Award
In the scientific world, research and discoveries continuously contribute to the understanding of how the human brain works. The brain, as the most complex and vital organ of the human body, still holds many mysteries regarding its function. Research in the field of neuroscience aims not only to understand the basic neurons and their connections but also the processes of memory and learning. Thanks to the latest findings, scientists are getting closer to uncovering the complex mechanisms of information processing that occur in the brain.
Researchers studying the connections between different areas of the brain and the functioning of neural networks play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms of human behavior and thought. The hippocampus, which is key to learning and memory, is particularly exciting for researchers. This part of the brain not only plays a role in spatial orientation but also in the storage of personal experiences. Recent studies have increasingly revealed the secrets of hippocampal function and highlighted the significant role that connections between neurons play in the formation of memory.
Discoveries of Awarded Hungarian Scientists
Recently, three Hungarian neuroscientists, Péter Somogyi, Tamás Freund, and György Buzsáki, jointly received the “Brain Prize,” which has a total award value of one million euros. This honor was awarded by the Danish Grete Lundbeck European Brain Research Foundation in recognition of their outstanding work in uncovering brain neural networks and memory processes. The ceremonial award event takes place in Copenhagen, where the laureates also give lectures.
The three researchers have conducted outstanding research from both theoretical and experimental perspectives aimed at understanding the functioning and organization of hippocampal neural networks. The hippocampus plays a key role in spatial orientation and the formation of personal memories, making their research significantly impactful for understanding memory and learning. The work of these scientists not only aids in uncovering basic processes but also contributes to a better understanding of various neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, and dementia.
Péter Somogyi’s Work
Péter Somogyi, the director of the Institute of Anatomical Neuropharmacology at the University of Oxford, plays a pioneering role in developing the description of neural pathways. In his work, he pays particular attention to identifying different types of neurons, considering their structure and communication molecules. Somogyi’s research has enabled scientists to gain a more accurate picture of the structure and function of neural networks.
The analyses conducted by Somogyi not only facilitate the understanding of connections between basic neurons but also how these connections influence the development of various neurological diseases. Research has also revealed that disturbances in the hippocampal neural networks can lead to a decline in various cognitive functions, thus offering wide-ranging applications for treating neurological disorders.
Research of Tamás Freund and György Buzsáki
Tamás Freund, the director of the Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, focuses on the study of inhibitory neurons. These neurons regulate the activity of the cells they innervate through the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In their latest discoveries, Freund and his team identified three new types of inhibitory neurons in the hippocampus, which shed new light on brain function and various cognitive functions.
During their research, the scientists found that cannabis-like molecules naturally affect these inhibitory neurons, and that functional disorders may contribute to the development of various neurological and psychiatric conditions. These discoveries may open new avenues in the fields of disease prevention and treatment.
György Buzsáki, a professor at Rutgers University in the United States, has also made significant contributions to the study of the brain’s rhythmic activities. The methods he developed allow for the direct observation of brain activity, helping to understand how different cognitive functions contribute. Buzsáki’s work is not only important for the scientific community but also offers significant advantages in clinical applications.
Through their discoveries, as well as the work of Somogyi and Freund, the scientific community is getting closer to understanding the complex functioning of the brain and developing more effective treatment methods for neurological disorders in the future.
