Barrels XXXIV meeting report: Barrels goes virtual.

Objective

To summarize the state of research in the whisker-to-barrel sensorimotor system based on presentations at the Barrels meeting.

Methods

Host the 34th annual Barrels meeting was hosted virtually due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Results

The Barrels meeting annually focuses on the latest advances in the rodent sensorimotor research. The keynotes featured talks on advanced imaging techniques and the role microglia play in shaping neural circuits. The thematic presentations focused on the role of neocortical layer I, neural control of navigation and locomotion and finally on the utility of psychedelic drugs to study perception. The invited speakers were complemented by submitted short talks and poster presentations from the attendees.

Conclusions

The 34th Annual Barrels meeting provided a critical review of the state of the field.