Quantum mechanics

Function (biology)

Scale (ratio)

Neuroscientist

Oligodendrocyte

Neuroscience

Biology

Cognition

Receptor

Biochemistry

Computer science

Evolutionary biology

Cognitive science

Physics

Computational neuroscience

Psychology

Central nervous system

Molecular neuroscience

Artificial intelligence

Myelin

Social neuroscience

Perspective (graphical)

Systems neuroscience

Social cognition

Brain function

Neuron

Neuroscience is inherently interdisciplinary in its quest to explain the brain. Like all biological structures, the brain operates at multiple levels, from nano-scale molecules to meter-scale systems. Here, I argue that understanding the nano-scale organization of the brain is not only helpful for insight into its function, but is a requisite for such insight. I propose that one impediment to a better understanding of the brain is that most of its molecular processes are incompletely understood, and suggest a number of key questions that require our attention so that progress can be achieved in neuroscience beyond a description of the activity of neural circuits.

Molecular Neuroscience in the 21st Century: A Personal Perspective