The Center for Behavioral Neuroscience conducts research on the neurobiology of social behavior and the effects of environment and social experience on the nervous system. Using brain imaging, molecular methods and other advanced techniques, CBN researchers have:

• Identified a brain chemical that could have implications in treating autism
• Pioneered new methods to diagnose and treat post traumatic stress disorder
• Examined brain signaling systems related to obesity
• Determined the genetic sequence of an antimicrobial protein found in the ink of a common sea slug – a protein that could be used to develop new products that prevent or kill damaging microbes and save the marine and healthcare industries billions of dollars each year  

The center was established in 1999 as a National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Technology Center.

Worth Noting: The center promotes the recruitment and retention of women and other under-represented minorities in neuroscience programs and works to improve science literacy by developing neuroscience-related educational exhibits and activities. The center’s community partners in education include Zoo Atlanta, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Georgia Aquarium.

Institutions involved: Georgia State University, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Spelman College

Research focus: The center’s original research focus was the neuroscience of social behavior and the emotional and regulatory processes that underlie it. However, since its formation, CBN has expanded its activities into the areas of memory, cognition, and the reward functions of the brain.

GRA investment: GRA has provided multi-year matching funds for the NSF investment.

External funding: The center has brought nearly $53 million in funding from the NSF and other sources to Georgia.

Web site: http://www.cbn-atl.org/