American scientists and students will participate in an international conference on brain development entitled 'Specificity in Neural Development.' Normal function of the nervous system depends on a precise pattern of connections between nerve cells. In the adult brain, this pattern of connections is very complex, with some nerve cells communicating with other nerve cells over a meter away. The mechanisms by which this complex pattern of connections develops are unknown, but considerable insight into these mechanisms has been gained through recent investigations. This conference will bring together many of the world's scientists working on this problem. These scientists will share their knowledge and through discussion chart the future directions of the field.
