Groundbreaking discoveries in autism, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's research and revolutionary neurotechnologies presented at the world's largest neuroscience conference
In November 2016, an intellectual revolution quietly unfolded in San Diego, California, as over 30,000 neuroscientists from 80 countries descended upon the Convention Center for the 46th annual Society for Neuroscience meeting1 2 3 . This gathering, the largest of its kind in biomedical science, represented a global marketplace of ideas, tools, and discoveries that would shape brain research for years to come.
Amidst the buzz of presentation halls and poster sessions, researchers shared more than 15,000 research projects2 —each one a piece in the enormous puzzle of how the nervous system develops, functions, and sometimes fails.
The significance of SfN 2016 extended far beyond its impressive numbers. This meeting showcased a fundamental shift in how neuroscientists approach brain disorders, moving away from isolated specialization toward integrated understanding. As one researcher noted, "While autism research in the past was usually presented far away from basic neurodevelopment, now it is embedded in it"5 .
Neuroscientists in attendance
Countries represented
Research projects presented
Basic Neuroscience Research
Clinical Applications
Technology Development
"The field seems poised to utilize these new opportunities to address autism," noted Scott Soderling of Duke University, capturing the optimistic atmosphere that permeated the meeting5 .
Revolutionary non-invasive technique enabling precisely targeted deep brain stimulation without surgical implantation2 .
Innovative method using RNA barcodes to efficiently map connections between individual neurons and their targets2 .
Practical application in treating ALS by translating neuronal activities into computer commands2 .
Requires surgically implanted electrodes for precise targeting of brain regions.
Direct communication pathway between brain and external devices.
Non-invasive deep brain stimulation using interfering electric fields2 .
The development of temporal interference stimulation represented a landmark achievement in neuromodulation technology2 . The research team approached the challenge of non-invasive deep brain stimulation with a clever physical principle:
The technique successfully demonstrated that precise deep brain stimulation could be achieved without surgery in animal models2 . The significance of this advancement cannot be overstated—it potentially opens a door for non-invasive treatment of Parkinson's symptoms and other movement disorders2 .
| Feature | Traditional DBS | Temporal Interference |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Requires surgically implanted electrodes | Completely non-invasive |
| Precision | High precision targeting | Precisely targeted deep stimulation |
| Risk Level | Surgical risks (infection, bleeding) | Minimal risk |
| Application | Established for Parkinson's | Potential for multiple disorders |
| Accessibility | Limited to specialized centers | Potentially more widely available |
Behind every neuroscience breakthrough lies a sophisticated collection of research tools and reagents. At SfN 2016, one standout resource was the UC Davis/NIH NeuroMab Facility, which develops renewable recombinant antibodies and affinity reagents specifically optimized for neuroscience research4 .
| Tool | Function | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Recombinant Monoclonal Antibodies (R-mAbs) | Label, capture, and influence activity of specific targets in brain neurons | Immunohistochemical imaging, biochemical analyses of brain proteins4 |
| Nanobodies (nAbs) | Miniaturized single-chain antibodies for enhanced tissue penetration | Immunolabeling with improved resolution, intact sample imaging4 |
| Intrabodies | Genetically-encoded antibodies to deliver cargo to specific subcellular locations | Target optogenetic reporters and actuators to precise sites in neurons4 |
| NeuroMabs | Mouse monoclonal antibodies specifically optimized for mammalian brain research | Protein localization studies in adult, developing, and pathological brain samples4 |
The small size, solubility, and stability of these reagents enhance their utility for everything from light and electron microscopy to functional manipulation of neuronal activity4 .
These extensively validated tools are crucial for research reproducibility—a key emphasis throughout SfN meetings4 7 . Their development and distribution at low cost to the research community exemplify the collaborative spirit that drives neuroscience forward.
As the doors closed on SfN 2016, the neuroscience community left with more than just new data—they departed with new paradigms for understanding the brain. The research presented represented a meaningful step toward relating "brain changes—from the molecular level to the whole-brain level—to the various features of autism"5 and other neurological conditions.
The true significance of these annual gatherings lies not only in the individual findings presented but in the collaborative spirit they foster. As one attendee noted, the conference provided "great hope for our approaches to autism diagnosis, treatment and efforts to relate brain changes"5 .
From the surprising discovery that Parkinson's may begin in the gut to the revolutionary non-invasive stimulation technique that could transform treatment, SfN 2016 delivered on its promise to showcase "cutting-edge research on the brain and nervous system"8 .
Nearly a decade later, the legacy of SfN 2016 endures in laboratories and clinics worldwide, reminding us that each discovery—no matter how small—contributes to our collective understanding of the human brain. The insights gained continue to ripple through the scientific community, inspiring new questions and driving the ongoing revolution in neuroscience.