Events (131)

A novel multi-class logistic regression algorithm to reliably infer network connectivity from cell membrane potentials

by dr. Thierry Nieus, Università degli Studi di Milano

When: October 6th, 2022 – 2:30 pm

Where: Sala Seminari, VIMM. Recording available on Mediaspace

Abstract: In neuroscience, the structural connectivity matrix of synaptic weights between neurons is one of the critical factors determining the overall function of a network of neurons. The mechanisms of signal transduction have been intensively studied at different time and spatial scales and at both the cellular and molecular level. While a better understanding and knowledge of some basic processes of information handling by neurons has been achieved, little is known about the organization and function of complex neuronal networks.

Science4All 2022

When: Sept 30, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and Oct 1, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

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

Abstract: Promossa dall’Università di Padova, la manifestazione Science4All è rivolta a tutta la cittadinanza e mira a comunicare la scienza in modo semplice e divertente con eventi a libero accesso. Nei pomeriggi e nelle sere del 30 settembre e dell’1 ottobre le ricercatrici e i ricercatori dell’Ateneo incontrano tutti i curiosi nelle sedi di Palazzo del Bo, del Complesso Beato Pellegrino e del meraviglioso Orto botanico, patrimonio mondiale UNESCO.

Il Padova Neuroscience Center e la Scuola di Dottorato in Neuroscience saranno presenti a Palazzo del Bo con lo stand “La meraviglia del cervello” per mostrare alcune metodologie di ricerca e le scoperte che hanno migliorato la comprensione del cervello.

XXX congresso della Associazione Italiana di Psicologia (AIP)

When: Sep 26, 2022 starting at 9:00 a.m.

Where: Scuola di Psicologia – Via Venezia, 12, 35131 Padova PD

Abstract: Il XXX congresso della Associazione Italiana di Psicologia si terrà presso la Scuola di Psicologia dell’Università di Padova: le giornate congressuali inizieranno martedì 27 settembre e termineranno venerdì 30 settembre 2022. Lunedì 26 settembre il congresso sarà già attivo: la giornata sarà dedicata alla registrazione e a workshop pre-congressuali.

Il congresso alternerà momenti di scambio tra le Sezioni e momenti di Sezione. Le mattinate (martedì, mercoledì, giovedì e venerdì) saranno per la maggioranza dedicate a momenti scientifici plenari, caratterizzati da simposi di carattere interdisciplinare e relazioni di ricercatrici e ricercatori di chiara fama.

Challenges and opportunities of advancing fMRI resolution, interpretability, and utility

by prof. Peter Bandettini, National Institute of Health, USA

When: September 29th, 2022 – 3:00 pm

Where: Zoom meeting. Recording available on Mediaspace

Abstract: Functional MRI has been advanced by improvements in acquisition, processing, and our understanding of the neurovascular response, leading to new insights, applications, and avenues of research. In this lecture, the challenges and opportunities in working with fMRI at its limits of resolution,
sensitivity, and interpretability are described. Several examples of ultra-high resolution mapping of cortical layer activity and connectivity are shown, opening up the capability of fMRI to map directional connectivity and functional hierarchy. Also presented are some of my lab’s recent work on tracking ongoing cognition, assessing vigilance, and reducing physiologic noise – all through the integration of novel pulse sequences, paradigms, and processing methods.

‘Little brain’, big contributions – Reflection on cerebellar circuitry in action, perception, and cognition

by prof. Sonja Kotz – University of Maastricht

When: July 7th, 2022 – 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari, VIMM. Recording available on Mediaspace

Abstract: It is well established that cortico-cerebellar-cortical circuitry monitors motor behavior, but recent evidence established that this circuitry similarly engages in the temporal encoding of basic and more complex (multi)sensory information. Consequently, cerebellar computations may generally apply to the temporal encoding of motor and basic and complex (multi)sensory information as (i) such information stimulates and monitors cortical information processing, and (ii) cerebellar-thalamic output might be a possible source of endogenous activity, predicting the outcome of cortical information processing and (iii) possibly providing a temporal frame for the binding of information.

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.