A visual representation of the findings of two neuroscientists, submitted as a cover image for Neuron.

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"In this issue of Neuron, Nicholas and Yttri reveal the contribution of motor cortex to both behavior and striatal dynamics through multiple task variations, neural activity, and targeted lesions. The cover displays the trees of motor cortex that naturally communicate motor commands to downstream areas. However, following lesion, the trees are withered, the branches are broken and the lips can no longer instruct action. On the opposite side, mice are waiting and listening for a descending motor command, however in the absence of motor cortex, striatum alone cannot produce the previously learned joystick task. "

~ Mark A Nicholas