Project description
Study reveals how brain neural networks affect learning
The primary visual cortex of the mouse is an ideal model for studying the ability of neural networks to undergo structural changes during learning owed to the well-described functional properties of its neurons, the existence of a robust learning paradigm and the feasibility of recording large neuron populations. The EU-funded BNL project aims to identify functional groups of cortical neurons and observe the topological restructuring of the network they form. Researchers will use Bayesian multilevel models that respect the multidimensional structure of the data. The research is expected to reveal major structural changes of functional cortical sub-networks upon learning.
Objective
The primary visual cortex of the mouse is an ideal model system in which we can study network restructuring during
learning, due to the well-described functional properties of its neurons, the existence of a robust learning paradigm, and the feasibility of recording large populations of neurons. Here we aim to identify functional groups
of cortical neurons based on the robust estimation of their correlations and observe the topological re-structuring of
the network they form. We will build comprehensive Bayesian multi-level models that respect the multidimensional
structure of the data for estimation and interpretation of our results. We hypothesize that we will observe major re-
structuring of functional cortical sub-networks upon learning.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinator
70013 Irakleio
Greece