Objective
The brain is an adaptive system that efficiently performs unique functions in complex and continuously changing environments. Nearly two decades of empirical observations suggest that the brain self-organizes to operate near criticality, a state located at the border between order and disorder, characterized by peculiar features such as long-range correlations and scale invariance of activity, maximal variability of spatio-temporal patterns, and wide response range to perturbations. Theoretical arguments and numerical models indicate that criticality could support optimal computational capabilities by providing a favorable trade-off between reliability and flexibility needed to achieve collective neural behaviors that underlie complex brain functions. Despite signatures of criticality in brain dynamics across spatial scales and systems, the alleged functional role of criticality in brain functions currently lacks direct in vivo empirical confirmation. In this project we aim to investigate in vivo functional advantages of brain criticality, elucidating the relation between emergent brain-wide critical dynamics and brain functions in Zebrafish larvae. Due to their small size and transparency, Zebrafish remain the only vertebrates permitting whole- brain imaging of neural activity with cellular resolution during behavioral study. To probe the functional role of brain-wide criticality in vivo, we will develop a combined theoretical-experimental approach to follow and perturb in near-real time collective neural dynamics during processing of sensory stimuli—and associated behavioral response—, learning, and memory retrieval, while quantifying function, identifying signatures of criticality, and evaluate the relation with information processing. This will consist of a criticality estimator for the online decoding of neural activity, and a finely tunable closed-loop optogenetic stimulation strategy to drive the system away from criticality and assess its functional role.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
35122 PADOVA
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.