We study the auditory system using a combination of behavioral, electrophysiological and imaging techniques, mostly in animal models but also in humans.
Sounds and the Brain
We investigate the transformation of sound from a physical phenomenon to a perceptual experience. Initial neural representations in the ascending auditory system closely correlate with the momentary physical characteristics of sounds. However, by the time signals reach the midbrain, they begin to integrate increasingly rich contextual information. In the primary auditory cortex, sound responses are profoundly influenced not only by spectro-temporal context but also by the animal’s actions, the specific task at hand, and the level of attention and engagement.
We propose that these representations form part of an inner model of the world, which is essential for decision-making in sound-guided behaviors and serves as the foundation for the perception of sounds.
Here is a sample of our recent and ongoing projects:
Context-dependent sound representations in auditory cortex >>
Early sound exposure and sound preferences in mice >>
Sound-guided behavior and neural dynamics in auditory cortex of freely-moving rats >>
