Description

Neuroscience is a technique-driven discipline that, at its core, involves the complex interplay of molecules, neurons and processes of the nervous system. Much of what is now known about the mechanisms underlying vision, hearing, learning, breathing, and human behavior was first discovered in the laboratory. Neuroscientists require not only biologicals and instrumentation that are commonplace in the life sciences, but also need access to specialized reagents and equipment because of the nature of their work. Through their research, neuroscientists: · Describe the brain and how it functions; · Determine how the nervous system develops, matures and maintains itself; · Discover how to prevent and/or cure neurological and psychiatric disorders. Based on a 31-question survey of neuroscientists conducting basic, translational and clinical research, The Neuroscience Perspective: Opportunities for Market Entry & Expansion, provides suppliers with critical information regarding neuroscientists' preferred techniques and instrumentation in four strategic areas: nucleic acids, proteins, cells and imaging. The report offers suppliers a unique look at current and future spending for neuroscience-related technologies and identifies areas where suppliers can enter the neuroscience market based upon the adoption of new research techniques. Advances in genomic technology and neuroimaging coupled with a wider range of model organisms has made it possible to conduct more complicated experiments to learn how neurons communicate with one another. More than any other life science discipline, neuroscience research requires a multi-level approach involving molecular, cellular, systems, translational, and integrative tools. By using this report to understand the actual needs and preferences of neuroscientists, suppliers will be better able to position their products to this specialized customer segment. Given the significant impact of nervous system diseases on a nation's public health and economy-nearly one in three Americans will suffer from a nervous system-related disease during his or her lifetime; these diseases account for six out of the ten most common disabilities in the United States1-increased funding for neuroscience research has been a top priority of the National Institutes of Health. In fact, the research budget for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has almost doubled since 1998 from $661 million to $1.3 billion for 20042. In addition to this financial investment, NINDS, like other national centers of excellence, is hoping to spur on discovery in the areas of development, degeneration and plasticity of the nervous system. This report reveals which avenues of exploration will receive more resources in 2006 and thus will be in need of additional support from suppliers.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Section 1. Analysis and Interpretation of Survey Results Strategic Overview 1-1 Executive summary 1-2 Key findings/Study objectives Today's Neuroscientist 1-3 Research stage/research approaches 1-4 Disciplines Neuroscience Techniques 1-5 Differentiation from overall life science market 1-6 Top nucleic acid-based techniques utilized 1-9 Top protein-based techniques utilized 1-12 Top cell-based techniques utilized 1-15 Top imaging technologies utilized Resources and Support for Neuroscience Research 1-18 Growth potential in general neuroscience laboratory budgets for 2006 Information Channels for Neuroscientists 1-19 Preferred sources of scientific information Neuroscience Research Challenges and Market Growth Opportunities 1-20 Key problems confronting neuroscience field 1-21 Prioritization of research areas to invest future government funding Conclusions Section 2. Study Methodology and Demographics 2-1 Methodology 2-4 Definition of Terms 2-5 Demographics 2-6 Questionnaire Section 3. Presentation of Survey Data Research Focus 3-1 Years of experience in neuroscience research 3-2 Stage of neuroscience research 3-3 Types of neuroscience research conducted 3-4 Methods of staying current with developments in the field Techniques and Instrumentation 3-5 General approaches to conducting neuroscience research 3-6 Techniques employed in research 3-11 Non-imaging equipment and instrumentation used Current Needs and Future Research Plans 3-12 Best supplier for nucleic acid-specific needs 3-14 Future plans to begin using nucleic-acid specific techniques 3-15 Best supplier for protein-specific needs 3-17 Future plans to begin using protein-specific techniques 3-18 Best supplier for cell-specific needs 3-20 Future plans to begin using cell-specific techniques 3-21 Best supplier for neuroscience imaging needs 3-23 Future plans to begin using imaging techniques Resources and Support 3-24 Role in selecting instruments used by the lab 3-25 Role in selecting reagents/kits used by the lab 3-26 Estimated total lab budget for 2005 3-27 Expected change in lab budget over the next 12 months 3-29 Percentage of 2005 and 2006 budgets designated to each research technique Scientific Meetings and Conferences 3-31 Number of major scientific meetings to attend in 2006 3-32 Percentage of time at a scientific meeting spent visiting exhibit booths 3-33 Factors that influence visiting a vendor's booth 3-34 Preferred scientific meeting Neuroscience Challenges and Opportunities 3-36 Critical problems confronting the field of neuroscience 3-37 Skills needed to be an effective neuroscience researcher 3-38 Area most likely to lead to important research breakthroughs in the next five to ten years 3-39 Areas where technological improvements would best facilitate breakthroughs 3-40 Preferred budget allocation for areas of research Neuroscience and Society 3-41 Acceptability of real world applications of neuroscience technology 3-45 Seminal implications of neuroscience research Demographics Section 4. Appendices 4-1 Insights and Perspectives 4-14 Cross-Tabulations of Survey Data 4-33 Other Recent Publications 4-35 About BioInformatics 4-36 Our Valued Clients