INVESTIGATION OF A BRAIN RHYTHM

大脑功能的阐明仍然是人类发现的前沿。到目前为止，研究主要集中在大脑连接方面，在大脑区域的输入/输出功能方面取得了重大进展。然而，对情绪状态和意识等功能的高阶过程的理解仍然很少。对大脑节律的研究代表了解开这些过程的一个步骤，因为节律既充当自主时钟，又产生同步的神经元活动。该项目旨在研究与情绪状态控制有关的一类特定脑节律的机制。这项基础研究的积极成果可能会导致更好的药物治疗来控制特定的精神障碍。

Elucidation of brain function remains a frontier for human discovery. To date, research has largely focussed on brain connectivity with major advances in knowledge of input/output function of brain regions. Yet, there remains little understanding of higher order processes that underlie functions such as mood states and consciousness. Investigation of brain rhythms represent a step to unravelling such processes, as rhythms both act as autonomous clocks and generate synchronised neuronal activity. This project aims to investigate mechanisms underlying a specific class of brain rhythm implicated in control of mood states. Positive outcomes from this basic research may lead to better drug therapies for controlling specific mental disorders.