Network activity and the role of NMDA receptors in associative learning

大脑是我们所知道的最复杂的机器，它的活动塑造了我们生活的方方面面。 几十年来，使用分子和细胞神经科学以及行为实验工具的研究已经发现了参与学习和记忆形成的大脑部分。人们对调节学习的神经回路了解很多，但对记忆是如何形成和储存的还不清楚。 这个项目的目的是了解学习和记忆的形成使用一个简单的巴甫洛夫学习范式，恐惧条件反射。 利用尖端的分子工具，我们将标记杏仁核中介导这种学习的电路和记忆痕迹的性质。 从长远来看，这些结果可能会推动新的存储设备。

The brain is the most complex machine we know, and its activity shapes every aspect our lives. Studies over decades using tools from molecular and cellular neuroscience and behavioural experiments have discovered the parts of the brain involved in learning and memory formation. Much is understood about the neural circuits that mediate learning but how memories are formed and stored are not understood. The aim of this project is to understand learning and memory formation using a simple Pavlovian learning paradigm, fear conditioning. Using cutting-edge molecular tools we will label the circuits in the amygdala that mediate this learning and the nature of the memory trace. In the long term, these results may drive novel storage devices.