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Communication and Information Processing Between Cortical Circuits: Oscillations and Plasticity

Communication and Information Processing Between Cortical Circuits: Oscillations and Plasticity

Description: A hallmark characteristic of neuronal and cortical activity is their rhythmic synchronisation in several distinct frequency bands, ranging from approximately 0.05 Hz to 500 Hz as evidenced by local single cell spiking activity, local field potentials, electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG) and even functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. Interactions among neuronal groups depending on neuronal synchronisation may modulate communication and information processing between those groups. In this way, oscillations may shape the computational role of different neuronal groups over time. Indeed, another salient discovery recently reflected in neurophysiological measurements is the variation of encoding characteristics of single neurons over time. In this project, we hypothesise that oscillations in conjunction with short-term plasticity are fundamental mechanisms underlying communication and computation in the brain. To address this problem, we need to combine psychophysical and neurophysiological experiments and theories.

Duration: January 2011 - June 2014

Funding Programme: Plan Nacional de I+D+I (National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation) 2008-2014 funded by the MINECO