by prof. Nicolas Brunel, Duke University

When: June 16th, 2022 – 3:00 pm

Where: VIMM Meeting room – Recording available on Mediaspace

Abstract: Brains have a remarkable ability to store information about the external world, on time scales that range from seconds to the lifetime of an animal. What are the mechanisms by which information is stored in the brain, and how is stored information retrieved from memory? One of the central hypothesis of neuroscience is that information is stored through synaptic plasticity – modifications of synaptic connectivity between neurons. Theoretical models have explored the impact of such synaptic plasticity mechanisms on network dynamics.

by prof. Marco Canossa, CIBIO, University of Trento

When: June 9th, 3:00 PM

Where: Aula 0B, Complesso di Biomedicina, Fiore di Botta, Padova

Abstract: In the cerebral cortex neurons are organized in specific layers and form connections both within the cortex and with other brain regions, thus forming a network of synaptic connections comprising distinct circuits. Plasticity is a fundamental feature of neuronal connections in the brain, where experience-dependent changes in synaptic strengths are crucial for creating learning and memory circuits (engrams). Deciphering how neurons dynamically express synaptic plasticity while ensuring the formation of memory circuits remains a key challenge. Glial cells respond to neuronal activation and release neuroactive molecules (termed “gliotransmitters”) that can affect synaptic activity and modulate plasticity.

by prof. Andrea Benucci, RIKEN Center for Brain Science – Saitama – Japan

When: April 28th, 2022 – 10:00 am

Where: Zoom meeting. Recording available on Mediaspace

Abstract: In this presentation, I will first introduce the main areas of interest of my laboratory at RIKEN Center for Brain Science. Then, I will focus on a recent work where we examined the plasticity of visual representations in the mouse cortex.

The starting observation for this study is that brain circuits acquire and update computations through the dynamics of recurrently connected neurons. Neuronal connections are plastic but the principles that coordinate cell-to-cell connectivity changes for network-level computations remain largely elusive.

When: Apr 8th, 2022 – starting at 3:00 pm

Where: Aula Magna, Complesso Beato Pellegrino, Padova

Abstract: Nello splendido contesto del Complesso Beato Pellegrino un evento che vedrà la presenza di esponenti della Regione Veneto e dell’EU Quantum Flagship e di Amazon per affrontare insieme la sfida del computer quantistico.

Il Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia (DFA) dell’Università di Padova organizza per il giorno 8 aprile, alle ore 15:00, presso l’Aula Magna del Complesso Beato Pellegrino, il convegno “Padova e la nuova sfida del computer quantistico”, incentrato sul progetto Quantum Computing and Simulation Center (QCSC) del quale il DFA è capofila e coordinatore.

When: Apr 7th, 2022 – starting at 10:00 am

Where: Sala dei Giganti, Palazzo Liviano, Padova

Abstract: “Le stagioni del cervello” è il tema dell’edizione 2022 della Settimana mondiale del cervello: conoscere come funzione il cervello nelle varie fasi della vita, come proteggerlo fin dalla giovane età e come mantenerlo attivo nell’invecchiamento è una priorità di benessere e salute pubblica.

A Padova il 7 aprile presso la Sala dei Giganti si tiene una giornata dedicata a questi obiettivi: in mattinata viene dedicata attenzione alle fasi evolutive del cervello con interventi educativi sui tics e il loro stigma, sull’impatto della musica nell’allenamento del cervello; a seguire, un momento musicale con studenti, studentesse e docenti.