Neuroscience Research
General Description
The complexity of the human brain (100 billion nerve cells, each with approximately 10,000 connections to other neurons) has been a challenge to the development of an integrative understanding of human cognition and higher brain function. Even an individual neuron, with its ramifying dendritic tree and axon collaterals presents similar challenges.
Research by the Neuroscience faculty contributes to this understanding using a broad range of techniques including behavior, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, computational modeling, and informatics. The level of research ranges from the subcellular / molecular level (in the context of such phenomena as drug addiction and the biological basis of schizophrenia) to the systems / behavioral level. External research collaborations exist with federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, public not-for-profit corporations such as Great Ape Trust of Iowa, and other universities.
Specific research laboratories and collaborative research opportunities include:
Great Ape Trust of Iowa
Research at Great Ape Trust of Iowa addresses questions pertaining to culture, language, tools, and intelligence, all of which are broad and multi layered topics. In addition, ongoing studies investigate basic cognitive processes, such as memory, numerical competence, and tasks of amodal completion. The great apes on our campus readily engage in experimental tasks, and enjoy new challenges. Of the 10 apes currently living at Great Ape Trust of Iowa, all will voluntarily participate in studies. Almost all of the 10 are competent using a touch sensitive computer interface. The primary restrictions are that studies must be non-invasive, voluntary for the apes, and cannot involve elective sedations solely for research purposes.Computational and Experimental Neuroplasticity Laboratory
Study of the biophysical and biochemical events involved in memory storage. Techniques include electrophysiology (experiments), and development of models of neurons at the level of channels and second messenger systems.Computational Neuroanatomy
Study of dendritic morphology, the relationship between structure and activity in neurons, and generation of anatomically accurate neural network models.Neural Dynamics
Non-linear dynamics of neurons and networks of neurons. Mathematical characterization and experimental control of population dynamics in the hippocampus.Cellular Signaling
Calcium dynamics in excitable cells, such as neurons and cardiac cells; cardiac physiology; energy metabolismNeuroeconomics
Current breakthroughs in neuroscience models and technologies allow us to study in vivo brain activity as people solve such problems as making choices between alternative actions, forming expectations about the future, carrying out plans, and engaging in personal and impersonal exchange with others. This approach is in contrast to standard economic models that treat economic institutions as constraints on economic behavior.Adaptive Systems
Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the overall goal is to study complex adaptive systems as they appear in natural and artificial contexts. The current emphasis is on building and developing tools for modeling and analyzing these highly non-linear time varying systems.Smith Laboratory
Long-term effects of adolescent nicotine consumption in rats. Neuromorphological [dendritic growth], neurochemical [in situ hybridization histochemistry] and behavioral [addictive, emotional] effects. Currently studying the mechanisms by which adolescent consumption translates into neurobehavioral effects persisting into adulthood.Flinn Laboratory
Investigates amyloid plaques and memory deficits in the APPSWE (2576) mouse model, which carries a transgene coding for the 695-amino acid isoform of human Alzheimer b-amyloid precursor protein.Comparative Vertebrate Neurobiology Research Group
Brain evolution across vertebrates, particularly in regard to the forebrain and the visual system.Krasnow Investigations of Developmental Learning and Behavior
Investigating the relationship between talent and disability. Behavioral paradigms and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are used to investigate the cognitive neuroscience of reasoning and attention processes in adults and children.Arch Lab
Research on visual attention and memory, examining electrophysiological correlates (event-related brain potentials, ERPs), genetic mechanisms (polymorphisms of neurotransmitter and neurotrophic genes), and changes in aging and Alzheimer's disease. Applications of neuroscience to cognition and human performance at work (neuro-ergonomics) are also examined.