Funded Awards

Project Summary (Abstract) Gaining a comprehensive understanding of brain-wide cellular organization in the human brain has long been recognized as a critical foundation for understanding complex brain functions, including who we are as humans. In this project we propose to take on this challenge an

Unveiling mechanisms of neural stimulation technologies is an important goal of the Brain Initiative (RFA-NS-20-006).

Abstract: Our goal is to develop a cellular level understanding of how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may activate neurons in the human cerebellum (Cb) using (i) electrophysiological measurements in an in vitro turtle Cb, (ii) computational modeling of the induced electric (E) fields in the

Summary Genetic technologies have revolutionized the way scientists can dissect out brain circuitry by inserting G protein-coupled receptors that enable selective modulation of neurons in target structures.

Non-invasive neuromodulation approaches have been developed to enable the modulation of neural tissue without necessitating invasive surgical procedures.

Neurostimulation, including invasive methods like deep brain stimulation (DBS), is an increasingly important approach to treating mental illness. It offers the possibility of directly targeting the circuit dysfunctions that produce mental disorders.

Classical conditioning has been studied in many different animal models, and even in humans. However, the larval zebrafish with its transparent brain offers a unique opportunity to observe large scale changes in synaptic structure that accompany this form of learning.

PROJECT SUMMARY . There are numerous clinical needs for a technology that can modulate nervous system activity noninvasively and focally, with clinically-relevant spatial and temporal precision, with a robust and predictable mechanism of action, and that could act on any of the varied modes of neura

PROJECT ABSTRACT Large-scale realistic model of neuronal network is a powerful tool for studying neural dynamics and cognitive functions. It integrates multi-scale neurobiological mechanisms/processes identified through diverse hypotheses and experimental data into a single platform.

Project summary Although single neurons occasionally project to a single downstream target, it is more often the case that their axons collateralize and project to multiple distinct anatomical areas.

Project Summary / Abstract A fundamental goal in neuroscience is understanding how information is processed in neuronal circuits. However, the immense complexity of most brain networks has been a significant barrier to progress.

Recently, several lines of evidence have supported that synaptic dysfunction represents one of the earliest brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), leading to hyper-excitation in neuronal circuits.

Project Summary Electrical stimulation of deep brain structures is an essential tool for the causal investigation of neural systems that regulate learning and decision making.

Sensory processing requires the interaction between external inputs and an internal brain state. Pain is a unique sensory experience that is triggered by external signals, but is also strongly shaped by internal cognitive and emotional variables.

Project summary Vision plays a key role in our ability to navigate through the environment, from identifying landmarks and obstacles to determining location and heading.

Serotonergic neuromodulation is a crucial factor in regulating several aspects of brain function, from mood disorders to appetite, reward and motivation, and in maintaining balance of sensory perception. However, the network mechanisms by which it modulates brain dynamics are elusive.

Today, the most widespread tool for measuring whole-brain activity noninvasively is functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Humans make rich inferences about the relationships between entities in the world from scarce information. For example, we can find a novel destination after seeing a few street numbers, or find a page in a dictionary by glancing at a few words in other pages.

Numerous neuroscience and clinical applications exist for a noninvasive neuromodulation technology that can reach deep in the brain with high resolution. One compelling clinical application is the treatment of drug addiction, a major public health challenge in the US.

The basal ganglia are a collection of subcortical nuclei studied for their contributions to movement, action selection, habit formation, and reward learning as well as their dysfunction in movement disorders.