RUI: The Neural Mediation of Left-Right Response Differentiation

完成一项涉及左右选择的任务的能力取决于大脑两侧的连接。这些连接是由一束神经纤维束进行的，这种神经纤维束被称为胼胝体。在这个奖项中，Noonan博士将研究手术破坏老茧和选择性损伤新皮质的不同区域对左右分辨的影响，这些区域与老茧相互连接。他之前的工作表明，外科手术切断连接两个半球的大脑通路实际上可以改善左右分化，此次获奖将更准确地探索这一现象的解剖定位。许多方面的研究将由本科生完成，他们将在基础科学工作中获得宝贵的经验。这项研究将有助于理解负责调节空间信息的大脑过程，使个人能够在环境中成功导航。

The ability to perform a task which involves a choice of right versus left depends upon connections between the two sides of the brain. These connections are carried by a bundle of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum. in this award Dr. Noonan will investigate the effects on right-left discrimination of surgical disruption of the corpus callosum and selective damage to various areas of the neocortex which are interconnected by the corpus callosum. His previous work has shown that surgical disruption of brain pathways which interconnect the two hemispheres can actually improve right-left differentiation and this award will explore more precisely the anatomical localization of that phenomenon. Many aspects of the research will be performed by undergraduate students, who will receive valuable experience in basic scientific work. This research will contribute to understanding the brain processes which are responsible for mediating spatial information that allows an individual to navigate successfully in the environment.