Liqun Luo is interested in the development and organization of the brain – from individual neurons to complex neural circuits. Working in developing flies and mice, Luo and his team have designed and applied genetic tools to characterize mechanisms of neural development, including growth cone signaling, dendrite morphogenesis, axon pruning, and wiring specificity of neural circuits. In addition, they are studying the anatomical organization and functional properties of neural circuits in adult animals. The team has a continuing interest in creating tools to probe neural circuit assembly and organization.
Feeling ill is about both the body and the brain. Now scientists have identified a group of neurons in mice that has ultimate control over symptoms such as fever and behaviors like seeking out warmth. Scientists have found a new way to home in on the proteins covering a particular cell’s surface. The feat offers insight into how brain cells form intricate networks during development. HHMI researchers find that a single-letter change in the genetic code is enough to generate blond hair in humans. Fourteen HHMI scientists are among 84 newly elected members. Nine HHMI investigators and one HHMI Professor are elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.