To understand behavioral flexibility, we study neuronal signaling across the brains of animals as they adapt their behavior to different internal states, environmental stimuli, and social contexts.
Tg(elavl3:jRCaMP1a; gad1b:Gal4; UAS:CoChR-eGFP)
What are the cellular mechanisms of global brain states?
We study the neural basis of global brain states — such as arousal, hunger, and stress — by imaging the senders and receivers of neuromodulatory signaling molecules across the brain of behaving larval zebrafish (Danio rerio).
video courtesy of Lisanne Schulze & Benjamin Judkewitz
How do animal groups share information to make decisions?
We study the neurobiology of information sharing and decision making in animal groups, using the collective movement of schooling Danionella as a model system.
We use multiple experimental approaches to study the brain in action
Virtual reality environments
We immerse fish in multi-sensory virtual worlds, to allow for a variety of complex behaviors while maintaining tight experimental control.
Brain-wide activity imaging
We use two-photon microscopy to record the activity of neurons across the brain of transparent fish, as they encounter sensory stimuli and navigate virtual environments.
Linking activity to gene expression
We use fluorescent in situ hybridization and volume registration to identity the genes expressed by the same neurons recorded during behavior.
In vivo intracellular electrophysiology
We use targeted patch clamp recordings to assess the electrical activity and membrane properties of neurons and synapses in vivo.