neuronal populations, providing insights into how structural connectivity influences functional dynamics, particularly in subcortical regions. This work offers valuable approaches to a comprehensive understanding of brain circuit mechanisms. Prof. Yan-Gang Sun joined the ION as a Principal Investigator in 2012 and has been working there ever since.By investigating the inhibitory inputs from hippocampal CA1 to the retrosplenial agranular cortex (RSA), Zilong Qiu et al. uncover insights into the modulation of social behavior [2]. They find that social contact triggers a distinctive updown phase in RSA neural activity that is essential for typical social interactions. By emphasizing the role of CA1-RSA inhibitory inputs, this study proposes a novel mechanism for processing social salience and identifies a potential therapeutic target for autism spectrum disorders. Prof. Zilong Qiu was a Principal Investigator at the ION from 2009 to 2022.Xiang Yu and colleagues explore the role of the chemokine CCL2 in facilitating excitatory synaptic transmission [3]. Their study uncovers the molecular mechanism through which CCL2, acting via its receptor CCR2, enhances the surface expression of GluA1 in hippocampal neurons, mediated by Gα q and CaMKII-dependent pathways. By elucidating how CCL2 signaling influences synaptic transmission, this study provides important insights into the regulation of synaptic plasticity and its broader implications for neural function. Prof. Xiang Yu was a Principal Investigator at the ION from 2005 to 2019.Applying unsupervised machine learning, Zheng Wang's study tackles the challenge of identifying latent disease factors in individuals with psychopathology [4]. The study extracts latent disease factors from resting-state brain connectivity data in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessivecompulsive disorder. These data-driven factors demonstrate significant potential in predicting individual symptoms and On November 27 th , 2024, the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (Institute of Neuroscience, ION) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) will commemorate its 25 th Anniversary by reviewing its development and highlighting its research achievements. Aligned with the anniversary celebrations, Neuroscience Bulletin organized this special academic issue as part of these festivities. This issue features curated and invited submissions from neuroscientists who are currently affiliated with or have previously studied or worked at the ION. The selected papers showcase the institute's scientific achievements and academic impact, honoring its legacy while inspiring future advancements in the field of neuroscience. Eight Original Articles, four Letters, one Insight, and three Reviews are included. These contributions span multiple dimensions of neuroscience, from molecular mechanisms to cognitive and behavioral insights, each offering a unique perspective on the complexities of the brain.The innovative methodologies p...
