Perspectives

Sankowski and Prinz propose a classification framework for microglia states that considers the contextual plasticity of microglia. Their multimodal classification aligns a robust terminology with biological function and cellular context.

This paper discusses how experimental and computational studies integrating multimodal data, such as RNA expression, connectivity and neural activity, are advancing our understanding of the architecture, mechanisms and function of cortical circuits.

This article discusses a puzzling issue in brain pathology: why brain-resident microglia are insufficient for protection, and why myeloid cells are needed from the periphery. Several strategies are proposed to enhance their recruitment to the brain.

Individual variability in behavior is influenced by social identities. Here, Dhamala et al. discuss the need to incorporate social identities in neuroimaging studies of behavior and explore how to foster inclusivity in research.

How microglia sculpt brain circuits is not clear. Here, the authors propose that their contribution to synapse removal may occur by severing synapses (culling) or collecting synapses shed off by neurons (scavenging).

The CaMKII holoenzyme was long thought to mediate memory storage via an autophosphorylation reaction that occurs between its subunits at Thr286 (pThr286). This Perspective explains shortcomings of earlier models and provides an updated view.

Task demands are a primary determiner of behavior and neurophysiology. Here the authors discuss how understanding their influence through multitask studies and tests of generalization is the key to articulating novel cognitive neuroscience concepts.

The hypothesis that dopamine reports reward prediction errors has been both influential and controversial. This Perspective characterizes the present state of evidence, indicating where it succeeds and where it falls short. A complete account of dopamine will probably need to move beyond the reward prediction error hypothesis while retaining its core explanatory power.

Recent studies suggest a close interaction between sensory and motor processes across the neocortex. In this Perspective, Rao proposes active predictive coding as a sensory–motor theory that explains the structure of the neocortex as well as some of its diverse computational capabilities.

Nongenetic factors contribute to the onset, progression and severity of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, the authors describe how exposomics, the systematic analysis of environmental factors, can help neuroscientists understand these diseases.

This paper provides recommendations for researchers on responsibly conceptualizing, contextualizing and communicating issues related to race and ethnicity, including examples of important terms and frameworks.

Recent discoveries highlight the skull bone marrow, linked to the CNS via osseous channels, as a key neuroimmune compartment. Here, the authors discuss the anatomy, functions and implications of this immune reservoir on CNS health and disease.

This paper characterizes two distinct philosophies underlying previous work on how Bayesian computations are linked to neural data, highlighting how different theories may be motivated by different tacit assumptions and thereby explain different data.

Despite diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, women remain underrepresented as academic leaders in neuroscience. In this Perspective, Bourke, Spanò and Schuman discuss current European initiatives and propose further actions to support women’s career progression in STEM.

Recent progress in astrocyte biology requires a more cohesive conceptual framework. This Perspective introduces a ‘contextual guidance’ paradigm in which astrocytes are key to adaptive modeling of neural circuits in response to state changes.

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are mostly known for their ability to differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes. Here, the authors discuss the multiple functions of OPCs beyond their precursor cell function in the healthy and diseased CNS.

Genome-wide association studies for brain and behavioral traits have provided insights but also present challenges related to privacy and misuse. We discuss these ethical issues and how to mitigate potential negative consequences.

The use of field-standard approaches in neuroscience and psychology can exclude participants from research, biasing our understanding of brain–behavior relations. Here the authors discuss how we might address inequity in our scientific methodology.

Human neuroscience methods (for example, electroencephalography, functional near-infrared spectroscopy and electrodermal response) are biased to exclude data from dark skin and coarse hair—traits common in Black people—and possibly people with racial trauma. We outline strategies to prevent a biased ‘unusable data crisis’.

Palser et al. show that at the top 100 journals in psychology and neuroscience, male editors and those from the USA outnumber female editors and those affiliated with other countries, at rates significantly beyond their participation in the fields.