 The NeuroVisions project will create six modules for advanced undergraduate instruction based on current research of leading neuroscientists:
- Investigating Allosteric Modulation of GABAA Receptors: Students investigate allosteric regulation of GABAA receptors through image analysis of in vitro receptor autoradiography (e.g., Orchinik, M., Carroll, S.S., Li, Y.-H., McEwen, B.S. and Weiland, N.G. (2001))
- Form and Function of Individual Neurons: Cajal hypothesized 100 years ago that the size and shape of a neuron determines much of what that neuron can do. Students can now learn about principal functions of individual nerve cells, including synaptic input integration, passive electrical signal propagation, and neural circuit using confocal images of neuron structure (e.g., Schmitt et al. 2004; Burkert and Duch 2006; Evers et al. 2005).
- Kiss and Run and Other Models of Neurotransmitter Release: Students witness one of the most fundamental components of nervous system function - neurotransmitter release - using advanced 2-photon imaging in mice genetically modified to express pH-sensitive fluorescent synaptic proteins (e.g., Li, Z.et al. 2005; Tyler, W.J. et al. 2006).
- New Neurons for You After All: For a century, neuroscientists thought that no new neurons were added to brains after childhood. Advances in neuroimaging have revolutionized our thinking about adult neurogenesis. Students will view z-stacks of confocal images of newborn cells in adult mammal brains double- and triple-labeled with specific cell-type markers to see for themselves that new neurons are added to adult brains and incorporated into functional circuits (e.g., Gould, 2006; Hastings and Gould, 2003; Gould et al., 1999).
- Your Brain Without Sleep: Students examine the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function as measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (e.g., Stricker, et al. 2006; Ayalon, et al. 2006; Drummond, et al. 2005).
- Your Brain After Drugs: Students investigate how youth drinking and other substance use might affect brain functioning, as assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (e.g., Tapert et al., 2001, 2003, 2004; Schweinsburg et al., 2005; Caldwell et al., 2005), structural magnetic resonance imaging (e.g., Nagel et al., 2005; Medina et al., 2007), and diffusion tensor imaging (e.g., Tapert et al., 2003)..
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