Events (137)

Thalamic regulation of prefrontal dynamics for cognitive control

by prof. Michael Halassa – MIT, Boston

When: June 23th, 2022 – 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari, VIMM. Recording available on Mediaspace

Abstract: Interactions between the thalamus and cortex are critical for normal cognition. Although classical theories emphasize its role in transmitting signals to or between cortical areas, recent studies show that the thalamus modulates cortical function through additional mechanisms. In this talk, I will discuss findings that highlight the role of the mediodorsal (MD) thalamus in regulating prefrontal excitatory/inhibitory balance and effective connectivity during decision making. I will present recently published data showing that the MD thalamus dynamically adjusts prefrontal evidence integration according to incoming stimulus statistics.

From synapse to network: models of information storage and retrieval in brain networks

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.

Deciphering how cortical astrocytes dynamically regulate synaptic plasticity ensuring the information storage in memory circuits

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.

A diurnal rhythm of intracellular chloride in pyramidal neurons affects cortical dynamics and signal processing in the cortex

by prof. Gian Michele Ratto, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pisa

When: May 26th, 2022 – 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari at VIMM. Recording available on Mediaspace

Abstract: Living organisms navigate through a cyclic world: activity, feeding, social interactions
are all organized along the periodic daily rhythm synchronized by external environmental cues and
brain function varies markedly through the day. An obvious contributory factor is the large change
in the level of sensory drive from day to night. Less obvious is the degree to which intrinsic
neuronal activity might vary, yet there is abundant clinical data supporting the idea that many
functional neurological and psychiatric conditions have strong diurnal patterns.

Plasticity of visual representations in the mouse cortex

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.

Padova e la nuova sfida del computer quantistico

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.

Advanced neuroimaging in neurosurgery

by dr. Valentina Baro, MD, Department of Neuroscience, Padova

When: April 14th, 2022 – 3:00 pm

Where: in-person seminar, Sala Seminari, VIMM. Recording available on Mediaspace

Abstract: The clinical assessment of brain pathologies has been increasingly dependent on advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in order to infer lesion pathophysiological characteristics, such as hemodynamics, metabolism, and microstructure. Advanced techniques in computed tomography, MRI and positron-emission tomography have further improved the visualisation and localisation of brain pathologies especially in neuro-oncology, providing target definition for various therapeutic modalities. Additional refinements of newer imaging methods, such as MR Spectroscopy, functional MRI, diffusion MRI and diffusion tensor imaging, have allowed a more detailed and accurate definition of tumour features and the relation with eloquent brain tissue.

Settimana Mondiale del Cervello

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.

Prof. Corbetta speech at Museo “Giovanni Poleni”

When: April 5th, 2022 – 6:30 pm

Where:

Abstract: ….da dove vengono i pensieri, le emozioni, e come prendiamo le decisioni che nel piccolo e nel grande determinano la nostra vita? Che cosa sono il senso morale e l’etica? Dove finisce la biologia e dove inizia la cultura?

Per quasi venti secoli i filosofi e gli scienziati localizzarono nel cuore la sede delle attività mentali superiori, ed è solo dalla metà del 1600 che il cervello è considerato il centro delle facoltà intellettive.