Bruce P. Bean, Ph.D.

Dr. Bean’s research is directed at understanding electrical signaling in the brain and the different patterns of firing controlled by ion channels. His team has previously focused on studying individual ion channels but has recently shifted efforts to understand how currents through many kinds of channels interact to control the firing pattern of a given neuronal type. This research program seeks to identify agents that control specific ion channels with differential expression in different kinds of neurons. This research could ultimately allow for new ways to differentially inhibit neuronal activity associated with pain and epilepsy while preserving other neuronal functions.