PET imaging of learning-related plasticity in awake behaving rats. The objective of the project is to combine an investigation of basic learning paradigms with functional Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in rats in order to answer critical questions about the neurobiological basis of learning and decision-making in the brain. MicroPET technology provides PET images without the confounds induced by anaesthesia. Using this technology, the project intends to observe whole-brain changes in ....PET imaging of learning-related plasticity in awake behaving rats. The objective of the project is to combine an investigation of basic learning paradigms with functional Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in rats in order to answer critical questions about the neurobiological basis of learning and decision-making in the brain. MicroPET technology provides PET images without the confounds induced by anaesthesia. Using this technology, the project intends to observe whole-brain changes in dopamine neurotransmission in awake, behaving rats while they learn to predict motivationally relevant outcomes based on environmental cues and on their own actions (ie during Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning, respectively). The outcomes of this research may improve our understanding of the neural changes responsible for debilitating disorders of the brain and mind.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function. The Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function will address one of the greatest scientific challenges of the 21st century to understand how the brain works. We will investigate complex functions such as attention, prediction and decision-making, which require the coordination of information processing by many areas of the brain. This will require a highly collaborative approach involving neurobiologists, cognitive scientists, eng ....ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function. The Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function will address one of the greatest scientific challenges of the 21st century to understand how the brain works. We will investigate complex functions such as attention, prediction and decision-making, which require the coordination of information processing by many areas of the brain. This will require a highly collaborative approach involving neurobiologists, cognitive scientists, engineers and physicists, allowing us to translate our discoveries into novel technologies for the social and economic benefit of all Australians. We will also train a new generation of multidisciplinary researchers, and contribute our expertise to a range of public education and awareness programs.Read moreRead less