About Us (The Scientists at e-Synaptic)
Who are we?
We are a group of Ph.D level neuroscientists that study brain function at the molecular level. Our expertise within the field of neuroscience includes biochemistry and pharmacology. Basically, we try to understand how cells respond to naturally occurring compounds such as serotonin as well as synthetic drugs that may have research or therapeutic value. Our mission is to translate discoveries from the research community (research articles) to information that can be used in the real world.
Another brain site?
There are numerous clinically-oriented websites that describe symptoms of diseases and/or effects of drugs. The e-Synaptic scientists here at AboutYourBrain.com will not write clinical information such as disease symptoms or drug dosage because we are Ph.D. research scientists, not M.D. physicians. There are also a few websites that describe effects of drugs at the cellular level. Unfortunately, most of these sites contain outdated information, particularly for naturally-occurring compounds. The primary focus of AboutYourBrain.com is on mechanisms of drug action using current scientific information. Over time, we plan to develop an extensive "information library" pertaining to both natural and synthetic drugs. We are confident that this information will provide the necessary tools for productive discussions with a health care provider.
A hidden agenda?
The most important agenda is effective treatment of a mental disease. Our research is based on the molecular effects of drugs, so we write about drugs. If we were experts in a profession that did not involve drugs, we would write about it. Many people with mental diseases can be effectively treated without drugs. We encourage you to find as much information as possible, including clinical information that is not the focus of this website.
Our agenda is to present information that focuses on the results from laboratory research. A surprising number of papers have been published on the molecular effects of naturally-occurring compounds, in addition to the large body of literature on synthetic drugs. We will present data from both sides of the fence because we do not have a hidden agenda. However, we will specifically focus on the cellular effects of "current" drugs and largely ignore older generation synthetic drugs that are less prescribed. In addition, we will keep a lookout for research on new compounds.
This site includes a blog that will be used to discuss current "hot" topics as well as other topics that relate to brain function. As the About Your Brain Blog matures, it should become pretty clear that nothing is hidden (except our identities). After all, the blog will probably contain some opinions that disagree with the views of grant reviewers or science policymakers. Our hidden identities will allow us to write it like we see it, without an agenda.
It takes significant effort to publish content on a website. Since we do not have a hidden agenda, we will consider advertisements as a mechanism to continue our endeavor. Comments that will help us improve the site are always welcomed.
About you?
Your feedback is valuable to determine the direction, and ultimately the success, of AboutYourBrain.com. What do you like or dislike about this site and how can we improve it? Please feel free to contact us with your comments or suggestions.