We have developed new optical systems for imaging neuronal activity with neuronal and synaptic resolution across multiple brain areas. We are developing further advances and new approaches to enable new neuroscience experiments.
To explore cellular and population activity in a context in which behaviorally relevant mechanisms are engaged, we have developed and optimized instrumentation to explore quantitative psychophysical behavior guided by complex visual stimuli.
We are exploring population dynamics with single cell resolution to elucidate principles of circuit architecture, dynamics, and computation. We are currently using this technology to explore activity in cortical areas in mice.
Brain-like computing approaches can complement conventional, von Neumann machines. These approaches including neuromorphic engineering and artificial neural networks. We determine principles of brain computation that can be useful in machines.
Free space optics can be powerful tools for computation. We are exploring new technologies to attain improved performance, efficiency, flexibility, and scalability.
We are exploring the technological headroom in several domains for developing new tools and techniques for neuroscience and other biological applications.
Neuroscience and Neuroengineering
on the American Riviera
Neuroscience and Neuroengineering
on the American Riviera
This is a long-overdue, very careful behavioral paper showing that mice can discriminate natural scenes quite well. It will be important for any study on natural mouse vision. BERENS, BIORXIV (2018)
Two-photon calcium imaging of somatic and dendritic calcium transients, with simultaneous dendritic recordings, provided the most direct evidence of local dendritic spiking. YATES, NATURE REVIEWS NEUROSCIENCE 14, 815 (2013)
A technically impressive study, combining in vivo patch-clamp recording of dendrites together with calcium imging of the soma in primary visual cortex of anaesthetized and awake mice, demonstrates that dendritic spikes occur in vivo and contribute to orientation selectivity. BRUNEL ET AL., CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROBIOLOGY 25:149-155 (2014)
By zooming into the mouse visual system with a two-photon microscope, Smith and Hausser provide important insights into how cortex produces diverse functional tuning under the constraint of low divergence. Their work will serve as a valuable reference for imaging the visual system at finer resolution in other species. SIROTIN AND DAS, NATURE NEUROSCIENCE 13, 1045 (2010)
It's a remarkable discovery — one that's [providing] important insights into the role that dendrites play in brain circuitry and function. DVORSKY, IO9 (2013)
This is a reference point to minimize electrode size and increase the spatial density in MEAs [microelectrode arrays]. ROTHSCHILD, FRONTIERS IN NEUROENGINEERING (2010)
Exploring neural circuits and behavior with innovative instrumentation