Neocortical Dynamics
Brown University professor Christopher Moore gave a presentation about “computing beyond neurons” focusing on combining multiple levels of electrophysiology, imaging, and optogenetics. Moore discussed the three main studies on perception currently taking place in his research laboratory: induction of neocortical gamma rhythms driving enhanced perception; 2 photon imaging of large scale network correlations and trial dynamics predicting perception; multi-electrode optogenetic and perceptual of cortical prediction. In addition to these three projects Moore has utilized different screening techniques to study his hemo-neural hypothesis, looking at the role of blood flow in information processing. Hemodynamics plays a role in information processing through modulation of neural activity (Moore & Cao, 2008). This modulation occurs due to diffusible factors and mechanical and thermal interactions which alter information processing capacity in local neural networks. Moore works with awake mice and 2 photon calcium imaging in vasodilation to study the modulation and neocortical sensory processing.
Literature Cited
Moore, Christopher, and Rosa Cao. “The Hemo-neural Hypothesis: On the Role of Blood Flow in Information Processing.” J Neurophysiol (2008).
