Basic Science Research

Theta phase precession is a well-known coding scheme in which neurons represent the position of the animal by the timing of their spikes with respect to the phase of ongoing theta oscillations. Here, we show that hippocampal neurons also undergo “theta phase rolling”, a phase change faster and opposite in direction to precession. As the animal advances in space, spikes occur at progressively later phases of consecutive theta cycles. Future studies may reveal whether phase rolling constitutes a novel coding mechanism of space.

The Niell Lab studies how the neural circuits involved in visual processing allow us to complete complex visual tasks, and the effects of development and experience on them.  One focus of their work is done in the context of naturalistic behaviors.  They have incorporated lightweight, high-density DBC probes to study how eye and body movements affect visual processing in freely-moving mice. This unique and fascinating approach is outlined in the preprint of their publication “Joint coding of visual input and eye/head position in V1 of freely moving mice”, bioRxiv (20222)

The acquisition and performance of songs in zebra finches and singing mice is a powerful model for speech and other complex human behaviors. In particular, the way in which coordinated motor movements are planned and executed at the level of neural circuits is poorly understood. The Long Lab is working on this challenging question using a variety of techniques including chronic implantation of high-channel-count DBC probes, resulting in recent publications in Cell (2020) and Neuron (2021). We are also excited to be working with the Long Lab on the translation of these experiments to understanding human speech generation, through our joint collaboration with the University of Iowa.