Frontiers in Neuroscience is a second-tier journal that publishes only democratically selected and invited articles on the most outstanding discoveries originally published in the first-tier specialty journals of the Frontiers in Neuroscience series (e.g., Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, etc.). Authors cannot publish articles directly in Frontiers in Neuroscience; they must earn impact and be objectively selected and then invited for publication. Selection is based on reader impact over a 3-month period from the date of publication. These prestigious high impact articles are re-written in a review style centered on the original discovery published in the specialty journal. A Focused Review is written for the wider neuroscience audience. The use of advanced graphics and special copy-editing are designed to make these discoveries more understandable to the general neuroscience reader. Frontiers will soon begin to award prizes to Authors, Review Editors and Associate Editors for articles selected for publication in Frontiers in Neuroscience. Frontiers in Neuroscience also publish Frontiers Commentaries, written by the Editors, on articles that are close to threshold impact. The Focused Reviews and Frontiers Commentaries are freely available on the website. The hardcopy of Frontiers in Neuroscience is not only a high quality print collection of the latest Focused Reviews and Frontiers Commentaries, but also the ultimate community journal that takes the pulse of Neuroscience worldwide. The hardcopy therefore also includes articles on companies that provide the best technologies, firms that are making major contributions to the field and foundations that support neuroscience. Hot topics, debates and discussions are also published and the entire community is invited to contribute to this community content. The hardcopy also highlights work published in any neuroscience journal on a quarterly focused theme elected by the Editors. It therefore represents the global progress of Neuroscience as a whole. The hardcopy is unique and available only by subscription. Frontiers in Neuroscience brings you the excitement of global brain research in the first decade of the 3rd millennium.

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience is a cutting-edge multidisciplinary journal aimed at fostering the understanding of mechanistic processes associated with CNS aging and age-related neuronal diseases. Another central role of the journal is to bring cohesion between disciplines and theories focused on understanding the fundamental processes of senescence. Special emphasis is placed on integrating findings of various sub disciplines in neuroscience to yield translational insight to the aging process and neurological diseases associated with senescence and develop treatment strategies aimed at the conservation of neuronal function. This aspect is critical to advance our ability to understand, manage, and treat conditions associated with aging. Because of the integrative nature of the journal, the scope of articles that will be considered in this journal is broad, and includes work elucidating genetic, biophysics, genomic, proteomic, cellular, molecular, biochemical, endocrine, immunological, physiological, pharmacological, and psychological/behavioral aspects of CNS aging and neurological diseases and pathological events connected to this process. Neuroimaging studies and clinical studies targeted to mechanistic aspects of neuronal aging/disease are also welcomed.

Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal that aims to publish major insights into animal and human behavior, as well as the neurobiological basis of behavior. Our journal welcomes papers concerned with the interplay between behavior and neurobiological analysis at all levels: from molecular biology and genetics, to morphological, biochemical, neurochemical, electrophysiological, neuroendocrine, pharmacological, and neuroimaging studies. While Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience is primarily centered on animal behavior, human studies that can validate conclusions from animal research are also welcome. Work in all animal species, including humans, is therefore welcome, and integrative and translational approaches combining animal and human research are encouraged. Translational work has proved in recent years to be particularly suitable to address topics and questions related to psychopathology, with outstanding examples showing how animal studies can help identify key genetic mechanisms of behavioral deviation in humans and, conversely, how innovative findings in humans are directing essential work in animals. Our ultimate goal is to accelerate the progress in this area of research at a critical time when we are facing multiple challenges, from the need to integrate findings obtained at different levels of analysis to the constant redefinition of topics and approaches that concern and characterize the field of Behavioral Neuroscience.

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal devoted to better understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying the functions of the cells composing the nervous system (neural and non-neuronal) across all species. The past years have seen exciting progress in this area because of the merging of traditionally separate fields such as anatomy, physiology and molecular genetics. We welcome submissions of multidisciplinary studies of cellular function in vertebrates, invertebrates, from cell culture to slices to in vivo, and involving genetically amenable species such as Drosophila, C. elegans, mice and zebrafish as well as any other species suited to elucidate fundamental principles of cellular function in neurons. Studies on the basic neural functions such as the generation of action potentials, synaptic transmission, biophysical and biochemical aspects of receptor activation, synaptic plasticity, intra and inter cell signaling related to the emergent functions of cells, glial-neuronal signaling and synaptic and dendritic integration, are welcome. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience also publishes research on the morphology of cells and how these morphologies relate to the emergent functions of neurons. Our journal also publishes research focused on the developing, adult and ageing cell as well as cellular changes in diseases. While the journals primary focus is on experimental studies, we welcome the addition of computational models to further explore experimental findings.

Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal devoted to promoting theoretical modeling of brain function and fostering interdisciplinary interactions between theoretical and experimental neuroscience. Progress in understanding the amazing capabilities of the brain is still limited, and we believe that it will only come with deep theoretical thinking and mutually stimulating cooperation between different disciplines and approaches. We therefore invite original contributions on a wide range of topics that present the fruits of such cooperation, or provide stimuli for future alliances. We aim to provide an interactive forum for cutting-edge theoretical studies of the nervous system, and for promulgating the best theoretical research to the broader neuroscience community. Models of all styles and at all levels are welcome, from biophysically motivated realistic simulations of neurons and synapses to high-level abstract models of inference and decision making. While the journal is primarily focused on theoretically based and driven research, we welcome experimental studies that validate and test theoretical conclusions.

Frontiers in Enteric Neuroscience is a first tier electronic journal that aims to publish key findings about the neural and neurobiological control of gastrointestinal functions. The focus is on the enteric nervous system, the “little brain” within the gastrointestinal tract; but studies of the “brain-gut axis” and neural coordination between different intestinal regions will also be welcomed. Our aim is to foster research that integrates all levels of enteric neural function including the molecular mechanisms mediating synaptic, neuromuscular and neuroeffector transmission, identities of enteric neurotransmitters, structural and dynamic properties of enteric neural circuits and their interactions with the sensory and effector mechanisms that generate complex functions. The journal will take a “conception to grave” approach, encouraging papers on enteric neural development, gastrointestinal dysfunction and aging. There is ample evidence that the neurons of the ENS interact with interstitial cells of Cajal, with enteric glial cells and with specific sensory cells in the mucosa and elsewhere, so studies of these interactions are also encouraged. The intestine is the largest immune system in the body, so neuroimmune reactions and, especially responses to inflammation and other insults, will be an important part of what we publish. The complexity of the enteric neural circuits and the behaviours they regulate is such that we encourage studies using computational and mathematical models, whether realistic or abstracted, especially those where the model’s predictions are tested experimentally. Our more global aim is to cast light on the lessons that enteric mechanisms provide for understanding nervous systems in general.

Frontiers in Evolutionary Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal devoted to understanding the evolution of neural processes, neuroanatomical structure, neural structure - function relationships, and cognition and behavior. Brains regulate behavior and as such have been designed by evolution to solve specific adaptive problems faced by organisms during evolutionary history. Frontiers in Evolutionary Neuroscience is dedicated to publishing papers that lead the field in discovering mechanisms that have undergone selection pressures resulting in evolution (divergent or convergent) of structure or function that leads to a greater understanding of 1) the neural processes of animals and humans; 2) neuropsychiatric disease states and the paths in which normal neural processes have gone off course; 3) the genetics underlying variations across species in neurocomputational hardware and behavior; and 4) evolutionary underpinnings that gave rise to advanced social and cognitive capacities. Evolutionary neuroscience is the discipline poised to answer fundamental questions about the nature of the nervous system such as the degree to which behavioral, cognitive, and neural modularity exists (e.g., domain specificity versus domain general processing); heritability and variations (species, regional, cultural, ethnic, and individual) in intellectual, social, and personality characteristics; make predictions about ancestral neural states (paleoneurology); and inform behavior and clinical modification programs from an evolutionary perspective. The journal welcomes submissions that tackle questions from a broad spectrum of disciplines and use myriad methodologies including, but not limited to: comparative genetics and genomics; investigations of allelic variations of behavior, cognition, and neural structure and function; comparative investigations of animal and human behavior that address the underlying cognitive and neural architecture; and functional neuroimaging studies that have been guided by an evolutionary framework.

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal devoted to understanding the brain mechanisms supporting cognitive and social behavior in humans, and how these mechanisms might be altered in disease states. The last 25 years have seen an explosive growth in both the methods and the theoretical constructs available to study the human brain. Advances in electrophysiological, neuroimaging, neuropsychological, psychophysical, neuropharmacological and computational approaches have provided key insights into the mechanisms of a broad range of human behaviors in both health and disease. Work in human neuroscience ranges from the cognitive domain, including areas such as memory, attention, language and perception to the social domain, with this last subject addressing topics such as interpersonal interactions, social discourse and emotional regulation. How these processes unfold during development, mature in adulthood and often decline in aging, and how they are altered in a host of developmental, neurological and psychiatric disorders, has become increasingly amenable to human neuroscience research approaches. Work in human neuroscience has influenced many areas of inquiry ranging from social and cognitive psychology to economics, law and public policy. Accordingly, our journal will provide a forum for human research spanning all areas of human cognitive, social, developmental and translational neuroscience using any research approach.

Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal that is focused on synthesizing multiple facets of brain structure and function to understand how multiple diverse functions are integrated to produce complex behaviors. Our goal is to publish research related to furthering the understanding of the integrative mechanisms underlying brain functioning across one or more interacting levels of neural organization. In most real life experiences, sensory inputs from several modalities converge and interact in a manner that influences perception and behavior. The journal is therefore focused on the primary questions of how multiple sensory, cognitive and emotional processes merge to produce coordinated complex behavior. It is questions such as this that cannot be answered at a single level – an ion channel, a neuron or a synapse – that we wish to focus on. In Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience we welcome in vitro or in vivo investigations across the molecular, cellular, and systems and behavioral levels. Research in any species and at any stage of development and ageing that are focused at understanding integration mechanisms underlying emergent properties of the brain and behavior.

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience is a first-tier electronic journal devoted to identifying key molecules, as well as their functions and interactions, that underlie the structure, design and function of the brain across all levels. The scope of our journal encompasses synaptic and cellular proteins; coding and non-coding RNA; and molecular mechanisms regulating cellular and dendritic RNA translation. In recent years, a plethora of new cellular and synaptic players have been identified from reduced systems such as neuronal cultures, but the relevance of these molecules in terms of cellular and synaptic function and plasticity in the living brain and its circuits has not been validated. The effects of spine growth and density observed using gene products identified from in vitro work are frequently not reproduced in vivo. Our journal is particularly interested in studies on genetically engineered model organisms (C. elegans, Drosophila, Mouse), in which alterations in key molecules underlying cellular and synaptic function and plasticity produce defined anatomical, physiological and behavioral changes. In the mouse, genetic alterations limited to particular neural circuits (olfactory bulb, motor cortex, cortical layers, hippocampal subfields, cerebellum), preferably regulated in time and on demand, are of special interest, as they sidestep potential compensatory developmental effects.

Frontiers in Neural Circuits is a first-tier electronic journal devoted to understanding the emergent properties of neural circuits. The local circuits (microcircuits) constitute the elementary modules of the brain, while the global circuits (macrocircuits) connect these modules into brain regions. The gigantic connectivity matrixes forming these micro- and macrocircuits are still poorly understood, and the general rules by which these complex circuits operate are still a mystery. Major challenges are to understand the structural and functional architecture of these neural circuits and how their particular designs lead to the emergence of complex properties and behaviors. Articles revealing the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of any neural circuitry in any species, ranging from sponges to humans, are welcome. Our common thread is the study of the computational strategies used by different circuits. Specifically, we seek to link a circuit structure with its function (either perceptual, motor, or internal). Submissions focusing on the principles and importance of synaptic, cellular and connectivity diversity in neural microcircuits using multidisciplinary approaches are particularly encouraged. We also welcome studies with an evolutionary perspective to better understand how circuit design and capabilities changed to produce progressively more complex properties and behaviors. The journal also is interested research revealing how plasticity shapes the structural and functional architecture of neural microcircuits.
For a more detailed discussion of current challenges in neural circuits, and our overall publication philosophy, please see:
http://frontiersin.org/neuroscience/publication/Opinion Article/3/

Frontiers in Neuroanatomy is a first-tier electronic journal that publishes articles addressing important aspects of the anatomical organization of all nervous systems across all species. The use of classical and modern techniques and approaches include axonal transport methods to track the connections between brain regions; electron microscopy to obtain a more quantitative understanding of the sub-cellular and connectivity anatomy; immunocytochemistry to map protein expression patterns; in situ hybridization to map gene expression patterns; and many other powerful techniques used to examine the organization of the nervous system. Frontiers in Neuroanatomy encourages comparative studies between brain regions, between species, and also between health and disease, but is not concerned with studies that have a primary clinical focus. We encourage studies that employ modern quantitative anatomical techniques in combination with experimental studies, but submissions of descriptive neuroanatomy and theories of neuroanatomical design are also welcome. Image quality and powerful illustrations will be a major emphasis of Frontiers in Neuroanatomy. We also encourage anatomical papers that are complimented by theoretical studies to better understand the anatomical design principles of the brain.

Frontiers in Neuroenergetics aims at becoming an open forum for publication and discussion of cutting-edge articles reporting observations that will contribute to the understanding of how information processing and energy fluxes are coupled in the brain. Topics that may be relevant to this goal include in vitro and in vivo analyses of metabolic pathways and blood-flow regulation, neuron-glia interactions in relation to neurometabolic and neurovascular coupling, fMRI, PET and MRS studies, morphological studies at the light and EM level related to neuron-glia and vascular interactions, modeling of metabolic fluxes and blood flow, relevance of neuroenergetics in the generation of functional imaging signals and in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Contributions reporting on the role of neuron-glia interactions in synaptic transmission and in information processing in general will also be considered