Objective
Local neural circuits form the modules of brain function. For example, in the visual system we find individual modules that are specialized to detect the orientation of objects, the colour, the presence of edges, or the direction of movement. The output and therefore the functional property of each module are determined by the interactions of the neurons within the modules. Despite their omnipresence, however, very little is known about the functional properties of local circuits.
Their systematic investigation has been hindered by the sheer number of cells, and by the diversity especially of interneurons. This made repeated and reliable recordings from neurons of an identified circuit almost impossible. In this proposal I describe a novel and multidisciplina ry approach which overcomes this problem. It combines methods using transgenic mice, viruses and molecular biology (to label specific circuits) with electrophysiology and functional imaging (to monitor the activity of the labelled cells).
This combination o f methods from diverse fields of biology creates a synergy that allows me to address questions which were previously inaccessible. I can record simultaneously from a population of cells of a single type to assess the encoding of a sensory stimulus in that cell type, and to judge the variability that exists in neural processing; I can asses the role of a cell type by recording from circuits in which I have eliminated this cell type; and I can follow information transmission and processing through every cell of a given circuit by singly or simultaneously recording from different cells in that circuit. Results from this project can also be applied to technical application, for example by building bio-inspired electronic circuits that mimic the computational lay out of the brain to efficiently solve computational problems.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine ophthalmology
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics mathematical analysis functional analysis
- natural sciences biological sciences molecular biology
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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.
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.
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.
FP6-2005-MOBILITY-5
See other projects for this call
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.
Coordinator
BASEL
Switzerland
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.