Enhanced tonic GABAA inhibition in typical absence epilepsy

The cellular mechanisms underlying typical absence seizures, which characterize various idiopathic generalized epilepsies, are not fully understood, but impaired GABAergic inhibition remains an attractive hypothesis. In contrast, we show here that extrasynaptic GABAA receptor–dependent ‘tonic’ inhibition is increased in thalamocortical neurons from diverse genetic and pharmacological models of absence seizures. Increased tonic inhibition is due to compromised GABA uptake by the GABA transporter GAT–1 in the genetic models tested, and GAT–1 is critical in governing seizure genesis. Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors are a requirement for seizures in two of the best characterized models of absence epilepsy, and the selective activation of thalamic extrasynaptic GABAA receptors is sufficient to elicit both electrographic and behavioural correlates of seizures in normal animals. These results identify an apparently common cellular pathology in typical absence seizures that may have epileptogenic significance, and highlight novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of absence epilepsy.peer-reviewe

Early years learning with digital technologies: The relationship between research and design

The overall aim of this symposium is to focus on the relationship between research and design of technologies for early years learning. Presentations will centre around two studies, one concerned with understanding the role that digital technologies play in shaping interactions between parents and young children in the home and the other with understanding the role of digital manipulatives in early years learning of numeracy in school. It will be argued that whereas a common theme emerging from these studies is the importance of shared physical and social interaction within early years learning, digital technologies for this age group tend to be designed for individual use. Participants will be invited to offer explanations for this emphasis on individual learning and discussion will focus on alternative approaches to design that might take into account the intimacy of the interaction between young children and adults