Julien Bloch received the Big Data for Genomics and Neuroscience Grant. In his proposal Julien plans to investigate optogenetic and electrical stimulation-induced cortical network reorganization. By understanding how a network interacts with stimulation to produce the network-wide connectivity change, we will gain insight into neuroplasticity dynamics at the in-vivo neural population level and progress towards stimulation based neurotherapies. Julien proposes to leverage datasets of large-scale recording and stimulation of the sensorimotor area in non-human primates, in parallel with computer simulation of large-scale neural dynamics, to investigate how neural stimulation drives connectivity change across a network.
Category: News
Our first JoVE paper is now published!
Our paper titled: “Convection Enhanced Delivery of Optogenetic Adeno-associated Viral Vector to the Cortex of Rhesus Macaque Under Guidance of Online MRI Images” is now published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments. In this paper, we demonstrate magnetic resonance (MR)-guided convection enhanced delivery (CED) of viral vectors into the cortex as an efficient and simplified approach for achieving optogenetic expression across large cortical areas in the macaque brain. You can watch the video of our paper here.
Congratulations to Karam Khateeb for receiving the NSF GRFP!
Karam Khateeb received the 2019 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program. Karam’s research focuses on investigating competing mechanisms of neural plasticity in non-human primate Sensorimotor Cortex. To understand the processes of long-term potentiation and long-term depression within complex neural networks, the heterogeneity of these networks must be considered. Karam proposes to investigate the competing roles of Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity at the level of circuits, specifically through the dynamics of excitatory and inhibitory signals in the sensorimotor cortex. In consideration of the required neural complexity and the benefits of a model similar to the human brain, he plans to utilize the non-human primate sensorimotor cortex.
Congratulations to Kali Morgan Coubrough for receiving the 2019 Mary Gates Fellowship!
Kali Morgan Coubrough received the competetive 2019 Mary Gates Fellowship for undergraduate research.
Our cake won the second place at the Bioengineering holiday party!
Our cake won the second place at the Bioengineering holiday party!