Moreover,

fluctuations in the effects of feature-based but not spatial attention were coordinated across hemispheres. This suggests that spatial attention acts locally within a hemisphere, while feature-based attention operates globally across hemispheres (Figure 1B, bottom panel). It is unknown how this global feature-based modulation is implemented, but it likely involves a common input into areas V4 of both hemispheres from neurons that are feature selective. Zhou and Desimone’s study, previously discussed in this article, may provide an answer to this question. Projections from feature selective neurons in FEF may target sensory neurons in visual cortex with similar preferences and produce the observed FSG effects. This would AZD2014 imply a role of the FEF in the origins of both FM and FSG effects. Another possibility is that other areas containing selectivity for stimulus features such as the neighboring dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Zaksas and Pasternak, 2006) may DNA Damage inhibitor provide top-down signals for the FSG modulation, since this type of attentional modulation does not seem to require the finer spatial resolution of the FEF map. These are important issues that need to be further investigated in future studies. In summary, from these two studies

we have learned that the mechanisms of feature-based attention are diverse and include different subtypes likely triggered by different task demands (e.g., FM during visual search, and FSG during detection/discrimination involving sustained covert attention). Moreover, the FEF, a structure involved in spatial attention, seems to play a role in FM during visual search. Histamine H2 receptor The mechanisms producing the global effects of FSG remain, so far, unknown. “
“The year 2011 marks 100 years since Marie Curie, one of the most notable scientists of the 20th century, was awarded her second Nobel Prize. In an era when it was still unthinkable for a woman to have a career, let alone one as a scientist, Dr. Curie faced—and overcame—insurmountable odds in her quest for knowledge. Dr. Curie was one of many pioneers whose courage, tenacity, and groundbreaking achievements spurred generations

of young women to follow in her inspiring footsteps, and today, the notion that women do not belong in the sciences is as antiquated as corsets and foot binding. Women across the globe have come a long way since the days of Dr. Curie, and more are opting to pursue careers in the life sciences. In Asia, changing mindsets and the recent growth in the bioscience sector has also enhanced career prospects in recent years. For instance, a decade or more ago, educational and career opportunities in the biosciences in this region were few and far between. Hence, it was not unusual for a young woman with a keen interest in the life sciences to head west to the US or Europe for education and training, as that was where pioneering research and exciting new advancements and breakthroughs were occurring.