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Mathematical Biology seminar
Villu Maricq
Department of Biology, University of Utah
"Making Decisions: How a Simple Nervous System Controls Movement."
March 31, 2004
3:05pm in LCB 215
Abstract:
How do memories form? How do we learn? How is decision-making
governed? These processes all involve computations by the nervous
system, which is plastic and subject to modification. The information
processing occurs mostly at synapses - specialized points of contact
between neurons. To better understand the development and function of
neural circuits within the nervous system, we have focused on a
behavior called Area Restricted Search (ARS). This foraging strategy
is used by perhaps all animals to find essential resources. We study
ARS in the nematode C. elegans because it is the only organism for
which the complete neural circuitry has been reconstructed at the
electron microscopic level. Furthermore, we can perturb nervous
system function using the tools of genetics. In C. elegans, we have
identified a small number of neurons that control ARS by regulating
the direction and duration of movements. We perturb circuit function
by targeting known genes for disruption or by isolating new genes in
genetic screens. In this manner we have identified molecules that are
required by specific synapses to control decision-making behavior.
For more information contact J. Keener, 1-6089
E-mail:
keener@math.utah.edu
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