In a scientific first, researchers have observed in mice how the brain learns to repeat patterns of neural activity that elicit the all-important feel-good sensation. Until today, the brain mechanisms that guide this type of learning had not been measured directly.
A project led by computational geneticist Yaniv Erlich of Columbia University has created what may be the largest family tree ever: a genealogy database stretching back five centuries that links 13 million people related by blood or marriage.
Engineering professors Karen Kasza and James Teherani have each won a prestigious, five-year award from the National Science Foundation, which supports the early career-development activities of junior faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education.