In the past two decades, which include the so-called 'Decade of the Brain' from 1990-2000, the field of neuroscience has experienced significant progress. This applies to both, basic research and the treatment of serious diseases of the brain, for which 20 years ago there were no therapy prospects. Thus, the molecular sciences and the advances in genome research have helped to understand individual components and signaling pathways in nerve cells in detail and to identify the molecular mechanisms of many diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. Since the middle of last century, as predominantly neuronal systems have been explored, many molecular processes are now understood and the focus shifts back again on systemic issues. Here are transgenic techniques especially helpful that allow the generation of molecular defects in animal models. Furthermore, modern brain-imaging has contributed enormously to the understanding of brain functions. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging it is now possible to visualize the activation patterns in certain brain areas during defined tasks and thus understand the way the brain handles these tasks. Finally, there are therapeutic approaches for serious neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, where nerve cells are gradually impaired and real hope that damaged nerve cells can be replaced in future by so-called stem cells.
