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I'm penning this update from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York, where there is a 3-day conference trying to peer into the future on new approaches and understanding of depression. Brain stimulation methods are well-represented here. I presented work on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and Dr Helen Mayberg showed the latest results with deep brain stimulation (DBS). Dr Karl Deisseroth continues to use his advanced optical stimulation to address important fundamental questions for the field. In a recent manuscript in Science,¹ his group used optogenetics and solid-state optics to systematically drive or inhibit an array of distinct circuit elements in freely moving Parkinsonian (PD) rodents, and found that DBS therapeutic effects within the subthalamic nucleus can be accounted for by direct selective stimulation of afferent axons projecting to this region. Even more interesting, these axons pass from STN back to motor cortex and one can focally stimulate motor cortex with optogenetic methods, and achieve therapeutic PD effects in this rat model. Only several days ago, a provocative paper also appeared claiming that spinal cord stimulation may have the same effects in PD as DBS.² Obviously, the field of DBS in particular, and brain stimulation in general, is rapidly expanding and every month holds new findings.

Within the pages of this issue of Brain Stimulation, we have several articles focusing on the important interface between brain stimulation and imaging. Weiduschat et al reports new methods for locating the correct placement of TMS. Siebner et al present one of the final remaining consensus manuscripts arising from the Gottingen meeting in Fall 2008. Brain stimulation is inextricably linked to imaging, and these manuscripts reflect this fertile area of overlap.

We hope you enjoy the articles in this issue and continue to send us manuscripts in this most exciting new field.

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References 

1. Gradinaru V, Mogri M, Thompson KR, et al. Optical deconstruction of Parkinsonian neural circuitry [published online ahead of print March 19, 2009]. Science. 2009;
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2. Fuentes R, Petersson P, Siesser WB, et al. Spinal cord stimulation restores locomotion in animal models of Parkinson's Disease. Science. 2009;323(5921):1578–1582
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