As it turns out, scientists like , a professor of molecular neuroscience at George Mason University, already describe neural networks with computers. Blackwell, speaking at a recent Suter Science Seminar at 91����Ƶ, showed how these computer models may provide researchers with the key to treating Parkinson’s disease.

Two computer programs for this modeling purpose, , which stands for GEneral NEural SImulation System, and , are available to any online user.

These programs cannot model the entire brain, but they can help neurologists examine small parts of it. Blackwell’s research focuses on a very small network in the basal ganglia, primarily including the substantia nigra, which is Latin for “black stuff,” and the striatum, which is Latin for “striped.” These sections are very close to the center of the brain, and are responsible for movement of muscles.

The substantia nigra itself plays a role in learning habits of movement, such as walking and driving.

“When you’re not paying attention and you’re listening to music, yet you arrive at your destination, it’s because your basal ganglia has, without you thinking about it, done all the correct right turns,” said Blackwell, describing how habits work.

The substantia nigra helps this process by providing dopamine, a chemical vital to basic brain function, to the striatum, another part of the basal ganglia.

When the substantia nigra begins to die, however, less dopamine is released into the striatum. This causes Parkinson’s disease, a medical condition characterized by a hunched posture, a shuffling gait, and trembling. Several treatments exist, including use of L-DOPA or deep brain stimulation. The effects of the L-DOPA wear off over time, and deep brain stimulation is extremely invasive. Blackwell hopes to find another, more effective treatment.

In order to find treatments, scientists must understand Parkinson’s disease. One interesting effect of the disease, according to Blackwell, is that “all of the neurons [in the striatum] are firing at the same rhythm.” In healthy neurons, such synchrony is only intermittent, instead of constant. If Blackwell could understand why this happens, she might be one step closer to treating the disease.

Using computer models that replicate a network of neurons, Blackwell and her team discovered that gap junctions, a kind of bridge between neurons, may be responsible for the synchrony in the striatum. She predicts that, if the gap junctions could be blocked, the nature of the disease might change. Chemicals that block gap junctions might even be a useful treatment.

Blackwell spoke as part of 91����Ƶ’s Suter Science Seminar series. Lectures are presented by experts in their field and are free and open to the public. Nancy Johnston, a nursing professor from York University, will speak April 13 at 4 p.m. about how the practice of healing suffering has changed over time.

A research scientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md., will discuss the ways that voltage sensors and electrical signaling happen in animal and human nervous systems at the next Suter Science Seminar.

Kenton Swartz, a senior member of the molecular physiology and biophysics section at NIH, will give his presentation 4 p.m. Monday, Mar. 30, in room 104 of the Suter Science Center at 91����Ƶ.

"Kenton Swartz is a leader in his field who will speak about how brain cells called neurons create (bio)electricity," said Greta Ann Herin, assistant professor of biology at 91����Ƶ. "Cells such as these control simple diffusion of charged atoms into and out of the cell using specialized gates called ion channels. Kenton will show us how ion channels’ construction makes them responsive to signals, controllable and very fast. It’s very exciting to have him come to speak," Dr. Herin added.

Dr. Swartz joined NIH as an investigator in 1997 and was promoted to senior investigator in 2003. His laboratory uses biochemical, molecular biological and biophysical techniques to investigate the structure of voltage-activated ion channels and to explore the molecular mechanics by which these channels gate.

Swartz received a BS degree in chemistry and biology in 1986 from 91����Ƶ. In 1992, he received a PhD in neurobiology from Harvard University, studying the regulation of voltage-gated calcium channels. He did postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School, where he began isolating and studying toxins that interact with voltage-activated potassium channels.

Refreshments will be served 15 minutes prior to the presentation, which is open to everyone free of charge.

For more information, contact Dr. Roman J. Miller, Suter Endowed Professor of Biology, at 540-432-4412; email: millerrj@emu.edu.

The at 91����Ƶ will sponsor a by Dr. Nancey Murphey, "From Neurons to Politics – Without a Soul," 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, in Martin Chapel of the seminary building at 91����Ƶ.

Dr. Murphy, a professor of Christian philosophy at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif, will draw her remarks from her book, "Whatever Happened to the Soul: Scientific and Theological Portraits of Human Nature."

Murphy received a BA degree in philosophy and psychology from Creighton University, a PhD from the University of California at Berkeley and a ThD from from the Graduate Theological Union.

Her first book, "Theology in the Age of Scientific Reasoning" (Cornell, 1990), won the American Academy of Religion award for excellence and a Templeton Prize for outstanding books in science and theology. She is author of seven other books and co-editor of seven volumes.

Her research interests focus on the role of modern and postmodern philosophy in shaping Christian theology and on relations between theology and science.

She is on the board of directors of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences and former chair of the board.

Dr. William Hawk, professor of philosophy at James Madison University, and Dr. Myron Augsburger, 91����Ƶ professor emeritus, will respond to Murphy’s presentation.

Refreshments will be served 15 minutes prior to the program. Admission is free.