The energetic brain - A review from students to students.

The past 20 years have resulted in unprecedented progress in understanding brain energy metabolism and its role in health and disease. In this review, which was initiated at the 14th International Society for Neurochemistry Advanced School, we address the basic concepts of brain energy metabolism and approach the question of why the brain has high energy expenditure. Our review illustrates that the vertebrate brain has a high need for energy because of the high number of neurons and the need to maintain a delicate interplay between energy metabolism, neurotransmission, and plasticity. Disturbances to the energetic balance, to mitochondria quality control or to glia-neuron metabolic interaction may lead to brain circuit malfunction or even severe disorders of the CNS. We cover neuronal energy consumption in neural transmission and basic ('housekeeping') cellular processes. Additionally, we describe the most common (glucose) and alternative sources of energy namely glutamate, lactate, ketone bodies, and medium chain fatty acids. We discuss the multifaceted role of non-neuronal cells in the transport of energy substrates from circulation (pericytes and astrocytes) and in the supply (astrocytes and microglia) and usage of different energy fuels. Finally, we address pathological consequences of disrupted energy homeostasis in the CNS.

Synaptopathies: synaptic dysfunction in neurological disorders - A review written by students for students, and a story of success for ISN schools.

One of the major endeavors of the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) is the promotion and support of young researchers, for instance at 'schools' that offer young students an opportunity to closely interact with renowned researchers as well as with each other. As a result of the 13th International Society for Neurochemistry Advanced School on 'Synapses' held in Mission Beach, Australia, prior to the Biennial Meeting of the International Society for Neurochemistry in August 2016 in Cairns, we are pleased to publish this comprehensive Review article, written from students for students. Read the highlighted article 'Synaptopathies: synaptic dysfunction in neurological disorders - A review from students to students' on page 785.

Establishment of a neurochemistry track under the new ACS guidelines.

The new guidelines put forth by the ACS for approved chemistry degrees provide departments with greater flexibility in designing their ACS majors. Under these guidelines, students receive foundational and in-depth chemistry training while allowing individual departments to use their creativity in developing a curriculum that best meets the needs of their students and plays to the strength of the department. The chemistry department at Concordia College has developed an ACS Neurochemistry track and shares how the program arose, some of the practical matters in developing it, and how it can be made to work well within a liberal arts college.