The end of 2001 is unlike any year's end in most of our memories. On September 10, my most serious worry was the chances for my beloved New York Yankees to win their fourth consecutive pennant. The next day, and ever since, that has hardly been a blip on the radar screen of concern. For those of us interested in studying the nervous system, we must remember that the most enduring fallout of the September 11 tragedy is emotional—our population is now a frightened one. Never before has the study of the neuro-science of emotion seemed more important. In subsequent issues, we will have much more to say on this topic.

For physicians and neuroscientists alike, we must also focus on the clinical and research issues that existed before September 11 and will continue to be our responsibility. This issue of CNS Spectrums offers articles on a diversity of topics: epilepsy, genetics, and the treatment of schizophrenia.