BMC Neuroscience

Call for papers: Transcranial ultrasound stimulation and its applications in neurosciences

We are delighted to announce the launch of a thematic series exploring the techniques, applications and effects of transcranial ultrasound stimulation. 

Featured article: Zika virus infection of human astrocytes

The increase in Zika infection calls for research on how it affects the human brain and studies on this topic are limited.  This study is one of the first to examine how the Zika virus interacts specifically with human cortical astrocytes.

Mark Rasenick, Section Editor

Mark M. Rasenick, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Physiology & Biophysics and Psychiatry
University of Illinois Chicago, College of Medicine  and Research Service, Jesse Brown VAMC

Dr. Rasenick’s work has focused on G protein signaling in the nervous system.  He has been particularly interested in how G proteins and the cytoskeleton work in concert to modify synaptic shape and to form a molecular basis for depression and the action of antidepressant drugs. He is also founder of Pax Neuroscience, a company designed to develop and utilize depression biomarkers for diagnostics, treatment and drug development.  He is an elected fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Cuban Academy of Sciences.

In addition to research and teaching, Dr. Rasenick is active in public policy.  He currently chairs the Advocacy Committee for the American Brain Coalition. While a Robert Wood Johnson Fellow (1999-2000), he was a staff member with the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, (D Mass.).  He is also involved in international outreach for neuroscience.