Neural Circuits For Odour-processing In The Rodent Piriform Cortex 'in Vivo'
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$488,817.00
Summary
We are studying the brain circuits that enable mammals to recognise odours. We will apply puffs of odorants to the nose of an anaesthetised mouse while measuring electrical signals in the odour-processing region of its cerebral cortex. Our work will answer fundamental questions about how the brain interprets sensory inputs in order to build a coherent picture of the world. This is basic research that will, in the longer term, shed light on the disturbances that occur during mental illness.
Dendritic Activity And Neuronal Output During Sensory Perception
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$832,748.00
Summary
A fundamental goal of neuroscience is to understand how sensory experiences arise from activity in the brain. This is no easy feat and is the basis of the research in this proposal. Here, using cutting edge recording techniques, the activity of brain cells within the cortex will be measured during sensory-based behavioural tasks. This research will provide insight into therapeutic approaches to numerous brain diseases where sensory processing is compromised.
Understanding Cortical Circuitry Underlying Sensory Integration And The Consequence Of Its Developmental Disruption
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$527,395.00
Summary
The mammalian neocortex is organised into six layers with a systematic pattern of wiring that relies on normal development and balanced activity of neurons. This project combines developmental, electrophysiological, optogenetic behavioural, and computational methods to establish how the properties of the precise structure of cortical circuits impact their function and how disruptions in the balanced activity during development affect circuit formation and function in the mature brain.
The Claustrum Enigma: Unlocking The Role Of The Last Unknown Area Of The Primate Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,364.00
Summary
Despite nearly 200 years of study, the function of the claustrum remains unclear. Interest in this brain structure has recently been revived by findings showing damage to the claustrum in several major diseases, and by the suggestion that the claustrum may have a role in consciousness. Here we propose a series of experiments to test the novel hypothesis that the claustrum is part of the default mode network, a group of brain areas that act together when we aren't thinking about anything in parti ....Despite nearly 200 years of study, the function of the claustrum remains unclear. Interest in this brain structure has recently been revived by findings showing damage to the claustrum in several major diseases, and by the suggestion that the claustrum may have a role in consciousness. Here we propose a series of experiments to test the novel hypothesis that the claustrum is part of the default mode network, a group of brain areas that act together when we aren't thinking about anything in particular, that is- most of the time.Read moreRead less
The Modulation Of Neuronal Activity By Inter-cortical Sensory Input
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,771.00
Summary
For any given behaviour, the brain must merge information from all different sensory systems to generate a coherent representation of the external world. How this is achieved is largely unknown and is the basis of this research proposal. Here, using cutting edge recording techniques, the activity of brain cells within the cortex will be measured during the activation of multiple sensory systems. This research will provide insight into therapeutic approaches to local brain damage.
Humans, like all animals, receive similar, although not identical, visual input via the eyes. This information is combined in the brain to form a single view of the outside world. In this proposal we aim to understand how single neurons in the brain process the combined information received from both eyes. This work will increase our understanding of the underlying cellular mechanisms responsible for sight, and determine what changes occur when visual input is impaired through blindness.
Neuronal Substrate Of Choice In The Rat Whisker System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,851.00
Summary
Humans and other animals can optimise their goal-directed behaviour by linking stimuli or actions to consequent positive and negative rewards. How does an animal generate such associations, and make decisions in the natural environment where the associations are often uncertain, at times contradictory, and continuously changing? This project uses rat whisker system as an animal model to identify the neuronal basis of perceptual decision making and the role of context.
VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS: MECHANISTIC BIOMARKERS AND NOVEL TREATMENTS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$464,793.00
Summary
This proposal will address an urgent need to develop novel treatment strategies for hallucinations. A critical starting point in this endeavour is to look at the pathophysiology underlying hallucinations because these mechanisms represent the targets that can be modulated by treatment. This proposal will provide strong evidence for two biomarkers of hallucinations 1. Behavioural and 2. Neural.
This project examines the types of computations used by brain cells to combine two types of sensory information, in a way that allow us to reach better decisions in everyday life. To address this general problem, we will perform experiments that explore the combination of signals from vision and hearing. The ability to combine sensory information is vital to our mental health, and this process is compromised in a range of psychological, psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Understanding The Role Of Caudal Auditory Belt Areas In Perception Of Complex Sounds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,518.00
Summary
Although the auditory cortex is key to our understanding of several neurological conditions, including language impairments, the functions of many of its areas are still unknown. Using an animal model, we will examine the roles of different auditory areas in separating important sounds from noise. This is a critical role in coordinating our body’s responses to acoustic stimuli. This study will help clarify how these areas contribute to how we normally process sounds, and what deficits are likely ....Although the auditory cortex is key to our understanding of several neurological conditions, including language impairments, the functions of many of its areas are still unknown. Using an animal model, we will examine the roles of different auditory areas in separating important sounds from noise. This is a critical role in coordinating our body’s responses to acoustic stimuli. This study will help clarify how these areas contribute to how we normally process sounds, and what deficits are likely to occur if they are damaged.Read moreRead less