What we do

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We investigate mechanisms underlying the activities of neuronal circuits in correlation with cognitive brain states. We are particularly interested in the emergence, development, and termination of collective behaviors across the various scales of neuronal organization, from individual neurons to functional ensembles. We combine theoretical tools such as nonlinear dynamics and statistical analysis to experimentally obtained multi-modal brain signals. In addition to conventional multi-unit and local field recordings, we emphasize the use of functional brain mapping techniques that allow us to monitor the regional activities in the large area simultaneously. We use transgenic mouse model to correlate the molecular and cellular perturbation to large scale dynamics. 

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Multimedia resources

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- Link to JOVE, 2012 video: http://www.jove.com/video/2562/high-density-eeg-recordings-freely-moving-mice-using-polyimide-based 

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◎ Research Topics 

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1. Functional Brain Mapping in Mouse Brain 

 

We develop and apply high-density EEG for freely behaving mice to monitor the cortical activities at multiple sites. We also apply Optogenetic methods to perturb the neuronal circuits to elucidate the operation of neuronal circuits. 

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2. Oscillations, Synchronization, and Phase Transitions in the Brain

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Resonance oscillations have been recently described in the human brain and were implicated in multiple functional states of the brain that characterize human cognition. Our aim is to delineate mechanisms that control the generation, propagation, and termination of resonance oscillation in large scale neuronal network. We develop and apply various computational methods for synchronization and causality studies.

 

We are particularly interested in characterizing the phase transition of network states in conjunction with changes in cognitive states. Both emergent and gradual transitions of cognitive states observed in seizure, anesthesia, and sleep are our observation targets. 

 

 

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3. Search for Target Signals for Neural Decoding and Target Region for Neural Encoding for Brain-Machine-Brain Interaction

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We aim for identifying the target signals for BMBI application. The most adaptable target signal requires the robustness across different subjects and reliability in interpreting the meaning of it. We are particularly focused on correlating human electrocorticogram signals to perception. 

 

 

 

 

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◎ Media 

• Introduction to Functional Mouse Brain Mapping : in Youtube

• Procedure for Surgery of High-density EEG in Mice :  in JOVE 

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