Neural mechanisms refer to the biological processes and structures in the brain that underlie various cognitive functions and behaviors. This area of research focuses on how cells in the brain, called neurons, communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals to process information and produce responses. Researchers study neural mechanisms to better understand neurological disorders, brain development, learning and memory, perception, and other aspects of brain function. Techniques such as neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and molecular genetic approaches are commonly used in this field to investigate how neural circuits operate and how they are involved in different behaviors and cognitive processes.