Two papers published this week in Nature provide the first maps of the molecular development of the human brain. Mapping brain development by changes in gene expression gives us a new level of precision and raises new possibilities for understanding the mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Travels Abroad Reveal Impressive Investment in Science

By Thomas Insel on October 25, 2011

Dr. Insel’s tour to Australia, Singapore, China and Japan reveal heavy investments in science and science education, indicating the time is ripe for collaboration.

Help Wanted: Making Workplaces Work in Mental Health Care

By Thomas Insel on October 7, 2011

Dr. Insel discusses World Mental Health Day and a new approach to meeting the shortage of mental health providers.

Psychiatric Genetics: More Pieces of the Puzzle

By Thomas Insel on October 4, 2011

Results of the two largest studies of their kind, to date, have identified new common gene variants associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The results implicate specific pathways and hold promise for development of new treatments.

The Global Cost of Mental Illness

By Thomas Insel on September 28, 2011

World Economic Forum report projects staggering costs of non-communicable diseases including mental health.

No Health Without Mental Health

By Thomas Insel on September 6, 2011

Dr. Insel discusses the implications of comorbidity among people with serious mental illness.

Striving for Diversity

By Thomas Insel on August 18, 2011

Dr. Insel discusses achieving diversity in the NIMH workforce and grantee population in light of a report in Science today.

Mental Illness Defined as Disruption in Neural Circuits

By Thomas Insel on August 12, 2011

Research on neural circuits is changing how mental illnesses are understood and may ultimately lead to new ways to treat brain disorders early enough to prevent symptoms.

Bending the Curve on Suicide

By Thomas Insel on August 1, 2011

Dr. Insel gives an update in our efforts to reduce suicide in America.

Mental Health: Think Globally, Act Locally

By Thomas Insel on July 6, 2011

Global commonalities represent an opportunity for us to learn from the experiences in other countries or among other cultures to help improve mental health care in the U.S.

Autism Spring

By Thomas Insel on June 28, 2011

New studies published this Spring provide new insights into the molecular basis of autism, involving the interplay of genetic risk and environmental exposure.

Investing Wisely in Public Health

By Thomas Insel on June 17, 2011

Dr. Insel on investing in research.

A Solver of “Mysteries” — Howard Nash, M.D., Ph.D.

By Thomas Insel on June 14, 2011

A solver of “mysteries” — Howard Nash, M.D., Ph.D.

Psychiatry: Where are we going?

By Thomas Insel on June 3, 2011

Dr. Insel discusses the promising future of psychiatry as it integrates new approaches discovered through neuroscience.

Making the Most of our Interventions Research

By Thomas Insel on May 20, 2011

Dr. Insel provides a vision for future clinical research.

Skin cells to neurons: Disease-in-a-dish promises shortcut to discovery

By Thomas Insel on May 13, 2011

An emerging research technology using Induced pluripotent stem cells holds promise as a window into the developing brain in mental illness.

NIMH Impact on Public Health

By Thomas Insel on April 19, 2011

NIMH research can have a significant impact on public health through innovations and projects that cross the four objectives outlined in NIMH’s Strategic Plan.

Highlights in Autism Progress -- for April, Autism Awareness Month

By Thomas Insel on April 1, 2011

Today, the start of Autism Awareness Month, inspires us to focus on the highlights of our research progress, and look ahead to further strengthening our investigative efforts.

New Findings Reveal New Worlds In Neuroscience

By Thomas Insel on March 29, 2011

Windows to completely new areas of research have been opened recently by research efforts in basic science. These reports force us to consider factors that have not previously been thought to have any role in mental health or illness.

A GPS for the Developing Human Brain

By Thomas Insel on March 22, 2011

The first transcription (genetic expression) map of the brain was recently posted. This is a landmark for brain research.

Funding Science in a Time of Austerity

By Thomas Insel on March 7, 2011

Dr. Insel discusses the impact of difficult budget times on mental health research.

Genomics: “The Future is Bright”

By Thomas Insel on March 1, 2011

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the human genome’s sequencing, the heightening pace of progress promises to a bright future for psychiatric genetics.

Big BRAINS Academy: NIMH Awards Program Fosters Creative New Scientists

By Thomas Insel on February 18, 2011

With the charge to become vanguards for the next generation of scientists, NIMH recognized the 12 recipients of the 2010 Biobehavioral Research Awards for Innovative New Scientists—or BRAINS.

How Does Memory Work? The Plot Thickens

By Thomas Insel on February 10, 2011

Rapid progress in understanding how memory works – from the molecular to the behavioral level – holds promise for improved treatment of memory components of mental disorders.

The Economics of Health Care Reform

By Thomas Insel on January 26, 2011

Dr. Insel discuss what NIMH is doing to support economic research in light of mental health parity and health care reform.

Understanding Severe Mental Illness

By Thomas Insel on January 11, 2011

When a tragedy occurs like the shooting in Tucson this past weekend, we are reminded of the urgent need for early diagnosis and treatment of people who may suffer from a serious mental illness.

Looking forward to 2011

By Thomas Insel on January 4, 2011

Dr Insel discusses research priorities for 2011.