Neural Circuits and Motor Control: Q&A with Eiman Azim

Researchers recently identified two types of neurons that enable the spinal cord to control skilled forelimb movement. The first is a group of excitatory interneurons that are needed to make accurate and precise movements; the second is a group of inhibitory interneurons necessary for smooth movement of the limbs.

In a Q&A conducted at the Kavli Institute at Columbia, Eiman Azim, first author of the paper that identified the excitatory neurons and a contributing author on the second paper, talks about this research and what it may mean for understanding movement in humans.

Read the complete Q&A. Read CUMC’s news release about the Nature papers.