by Dr. Carlotta Martelli, University of Mainz

When: December 12, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: The wiring of the nervous system follows a complex genetic plan during development. However, due to stochastic processes and environmental factors, genetically identical individuals seldom show the same phenotypic outcome. In poikilothermic animals like insects, temperature affects developmental speed, but whether this alters brain wiring and function was so far unclear. We have investigated the effect of temperature on brain wiring in Drosophila, showing that neuronal connectivity scales exponentially with temperature, with lower connectivity at higher temperatures.

Speaker: Prof. Luca Mazzucato (Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, USA)

When: 11 December 2024, h. 5:30 pm

Where: 1AD100, Torre Archimede

Abstract: Recent years have brought tremendous progress in the fields of artificial intelligence and
neuroscience, however, a comprehensive framework to explain the computational principles of
complex cognitive function and flexible behavior is still lacking. Addressing the complexity within
large-scale, multi-area neuronal recordings with simultaneous monitoring of behavioral variables
demands novel and deeper connections between the different axes of theoretical neuroscience. In
this talk, I will review current approaches and highlight challenges in the upcoming NeuroAI field
with particular focus on the following questions: i) What kind of dynamical systems can explain the
complex spatiotemporal features of naturalistic animal behavior?

by Prof. Francesco Vespignani, University of Padova

When: November 28, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: Cognitive science of language has been dominated for decades by innatism based on generative grammar theory. More recent years have seen a renaissance of models based on (statistical) learning only, leading to positions which I dub neo-behavioralist. These positions are recently even more popular, partially boosted by recent developments of AI large language models. Within this debate, prediction and sensitivity to rhythmicity and regularities of language play a significant role in models of language processing, tightly linked to theories of system neurosciences.

by Dr. Filippo Pisano, University of Padova

When: November 14, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: Over the past two decades, a versatile technological framework combining optical methods with genetically encoded molecular reporters has opened unprecedented opportunities for monitoring neural activity in the living mouse brain. These advancements have been accompanied by a growing awareness that a comprehensive investigation of brain function must account for the brain’s multifaceted complexity, including biomolecular changes associated with physiological and pathological dynamics. This seminar will explore the opportunities afforded by a broader perspective on light-brain interactions, presenting a methodology for low-invasive, label-free optical spectroscopy in deep brain regions.

by Dr. Micaela Zonta, CNR Neuroscience Institute

When: October 31, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Aula RI (Complesso Vallisneri, Viale Colombo 3, Padova)

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic, incurable neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by progressive memory loss. Despite the advances in the research on neurodegenerative diseases, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis and the early events that anticipate the cognitive decline remain poorly understood.

Our research evaluates the involvement of astrocytes in AD pathogenesis, focusing on astrocyte Ca2+ signaling and its dysregulation during AD progression. Indeed, the widely recognized evidence that brain function requires dynamic interactions between neurons and astrocytes implies that both cell types can contribute to brain dysfunction.

When: October 24 (Thursday), 2024, at 8:45 pm and October 27 (Sunday), 2024, at 5:00 pm

Where: Sala dei Giganti (Thursday) and Chiesa di San Francesco, Padova (Sunday)

Abstract: Within the project “Soprano: lo spettacolo del cervello”, on Thursday, 24 October, at 8:45 pm at the Sala dei Giganti the Orchestra Asclepio will perform the concert Quando la musica diventa cura, while the second concert La musica del cervello will take place on Sunday, 27 October, at 5 pm, at the Chiesa di San Francesco, Padova.

Both the events are free of charge, but registration is required:

• Thursday, 24 October: Eventbrite
• Sunday, 27 October: Eventbrite

Link: https://ilbolive.unipd.it/it/event/mondo-salute/musica-cervello?amp

by Dr. Francesco Papaleo, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy

When: October 17, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: The way we perceive, process, and react to others’ emotional states (Emotion Recognition) is at the core of all animal interactions, playing a central role not only in our daily lives and well-being, but also in shaping societies. Determining the mechanisms underpinning emotion recognition will significantly advance our understanding of how individuals engage with others and the role of the social brain in health and disease. We recently developed and validated a series of innovative paradigms for mice that allow disentangling previously unexplored cell- and circuit-specific mechanisms of emotion recognition.

When: September 28-29, 2024, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (Saturday) and from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (Sunday)

Where: Palazzo del Bo, Via VIII Febbraio 2, Padova PD

Abstract: The University of Padua presents the 2024 edition of the Science4All Festival, which aims at communicating science in a simple but engaging way. The public will meet researchers from the University of Padua and participate in scientific experiments through workshops, games and other activities. All activities are free.

The Padova Neuroscience Center and our PhD Program in Neuroscience will be present at Palazzo Bo (booth No 21) and they will present “Un viaggio interattivo nel mondo delle neuroscienze“, a series of activities showing how research methods and new discoveries have improved our knowledge of the brain.

by Dr. Peter Zeidman, University College London, UK

When: September 27, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: In this talk, I will introduce methods for identifying the neural and vascular physiology that gives rise to non-invasive human neuroimaging data (e.g. MRI, fMRI, fNIRS, M/EEG). These methods enable us to go beyond simply describing our data, and test hypotheses about underlying neural and vascular mechanisms that cause the data. The key ingredients are Bayesian statistical methods, which enable us to quantify the evidence for competing explanations for how our data were generated.

by Dr. Manuela Allegra, National Research Council and University of Padua

When: September 19, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: The ability of the brain to reorganize its structure and function in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli is defined neuroplasticity. Plasticity of the nervous system is crucial throughout the lifespan, refining sensory systems during development, mediating learning and memory in adulthood and being the key mechanism for neuro-rehabilitation in case of injury and for the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders later in life. Using in vivo recording techniques (extracellular LFP recordings and calcium imaging), we will explore neuroplasticity in physiological and pathological conditions and we will describe how neuronal circuits of the hippocampus and neocortex can rewire their activity during learning and memory, and in response to brain injury.