Recognition (Odors)
We focus on olfaction as a means to deeply explore the neurobiological mechanisms of memory.
The challenge of remembering and recognizing arbitrary combinations of odor molecules is analogous to capturing the varied elements that make up daily multisensory experience. Our research explores the ability of olfactory cortical networks to spontaneously capture memories for odor stimuli, enabling odor recognition.
Our larger goal is to discover fundamental rules and mechanisms that govern information storage and retrieval in neural systems. Our current focus is establishing the changes in neural circuit and population dynamics that correspond to odor recognition. To do so, we leverage quantitative behavioral analysis, electrophysiological and optical monitoring of neural populations, and a broad array of tools for selectively influencing neural activity.
Our larger goal is to discover fundamental rules and mechanisms that govern information storage and retrieval in neural systems. Our current focus is establishing the changes in neural circuit and population dynamics that correspond to odor recognition. To do so, we leverage quantitative behavioral analysis, electrophysiological and optical monitoring of neural populations, and a broad array of tools for selectively influencing neural activity.
MEthodology
Our goal is to discover fundamental rules and mechanisms that govern information storage and retrieval in neural systems.
In the Bolding Lab, our goal is to discover fundamental rules and mechanisms that govern information storage and retrieval in neural systems. Our primary focus will be establishing the changes in neural circuit and population dynamics that correspond to odor recognition memory.
To bring our understanding of this process to a new level of rigor we will apply quantitative statistical approaches to relate behavioral signatures of odor recognition to activity and plasticity in olfactory circuits. We will use in vivo electrophysiology and calcium imaging to capture the activity of large neural populations during olfactory experience, and we will apply cell-type specific perturbations of activity and plasticity to discover how specific circuit connections contribute.
To bring our understanding of this process to a new level of rigor we will apply quantitative statistical approaches to relate behavioral signatures of odor recognition to activity and plasticity in olfactory circuits. We will use in vivo electrophysiology and calcium imaging to capture the activity of large neural populations during olfactory experience, and we will apply cell-type specific perturbations of activity and plasticity to discover how specific circuit connections contribute.
Recognition (Social)
Animals rely heavily on olfaction to identify and respond appropriately to social partners.
We use large scale population recordings with calcium imaging and extracellular electrodes to learn how olfactory cortical areas process social stimuli and how their function changes in social settings. Targeted optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations reveal how socially-driven neuromodulation affects dynamics and computation in olfactory circuits.