Four-dimensional analysis of information processing in brain circuits

分析神经元如何处理信息，可以为我们提供大脑基本功能的知识，以及对神经精神疾病的见解。其目的是了解单个神经元如何处理其突触输入以达到输出响应。为了实现这一目标，该项目将采用两种方法：它将通过体外实验研究单个神经元，其中光刺激的时空模式模拟生理突触输入；而且，它将建立一个独特的体内显微镜，将感觉输入映射到完整大脑中的神经元回路。第一种方法提供了对神经元回路的精确分析，而第二种方法则创建了活体动物感官输入的皮质处理的总体图。

Analysing how neurons process information could provide us with knowledge of the basic function of the brain as well as insights to neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim is to understand how does a single neuron process its synaptic inputs to arrive at an output response. To achieve this, the project will follow two approaches: it will study single neurons via in vitro experiments, where spatiotemporal patterns of light stimuli mimic physiological synaptic inputs; and, it will build a unique in vivo microscope to map sensory inputs to neuronal circuits in the intact brain. The first approach provides an accurate analysis of neuronal circuits while the second creates an overall map of cortical processing of sensory inputs from a live animal.