Densely tied in space… but also for a sufficient time!

Functional interactions between brain regions or neurons have been described using features defined in network theory. For instance, the rich club phenomenon correspond to having high-degree nodes connected between them above chance-level. In our new Nature Physics paper we generalize this notion to dynamic networks. Indeed, in order for a certain spatial pattern in networkLire la suite “Densely tied in space… but also for a sufficient time!”

Graph-based features to capture the embodiment of adaptive behavior

The cerebellar cortex encodes sensorimotor adaptation during skilled locomotor behaviors, however the precise relationship between synaptic connectivity and behavior is unclear. In our recent Nature Communications paper (in collaboration with Philippe Isope’s group at INCI, Strasbourg), we studied synaptic connectivity between granule cells (GCs) and Purkinje cells (PCs) in murine acute cerebellar slices using photostimulationLire la suite “Graph-based features to capture the embodiment of adaptive behavior”

Toward virtual connectomes for data augmentation

Personalized information on anatomic connectivity (structural connectivity; SC) or coordinated resting state activation patterns (functional connectivity; FC) is a source of powerful neuromarkers to detect and track the development of neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are often “gaps” in the available information, with only SC (or FC) being known but not FC (or SC). In ourLire la suite “Toward virtual connectomes for data augmentation”

Effects of localized brain stimulation depend on dynamical state

Stimulation can be used to alter brain activity and is a therapeutic option for certain neu- rological conditions. However, predicting the distributed effects of local perturbations is difficult. Previous studies show that responses to stimulation depend on anatomical (or structural) coupling. In addition to structure, in our PLoS Computational Biology paper (in collaboration with DanielleLire la suite “Effects of localized brain stimulation depend on dynamical state”

The speed and geometry of resting state dynamic Functional Connectivity

We are happy announcing that a diptych of publications on resting dynamic Functional Connectivity is finally out on NeuroImage! Functional Connectivity (FC) measured on resting state fMRI is dynamic and continually reconfiguring. However these variations are not necessarily very large and discrete state transitions are difficult (or questionable) to identify. Here we introduce a newLire la suite “The speed and geometry of resting state dynamic Functional Connectivity”

Is human cortical connectome optimized for ignition?

The activity of the cortex in mammals constantly fluctuates in relation to cognitive tasks, but also during rest. The ability of brain regions to display ignition, a fast transition from low to high activity is central for the emergence of conscious perception and decision making. In our recently published paper in PLoS Computational Biology (inLire la suite “Is human cortical connectome optimized for ignition?”

Computing hubs and states in the hippocampus?

In dominant views, a neuron becomes a functional hub because of its special position within a circuit. In our recently accepted paper on Science Advances, we find experimental evidence supporting a much more democratic view in which almost a majority of recorded single units could serve as hub at least for some time and forLire la suite “Computing hubs and states in the hippocampus?”

Communication through transient and stochastic coherence

Inter-regional oscillatory coherence has been proposed as a mechanism for modulating communication. However oscillations in vivo are transient and fluctuate in time, frequency and phase. In out Nature Neuroscience paper we show that, despite their irregular and stochastic-like properties, oscillatory burst can still subserve flexible and selective routing of information. To reach this conclusion weLire la suite “Communication through transient and stochastic coherence”

AD before plaques

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative pathology commonly characterized by a progressive and irreversible deterioration of cognitive functions, especially memory. Although the etiology of AD remains unknown, a consensus has emerged on the amyloid hypothesis, which posits that increased production of soluble amyloid b (Ab) peptide induces neuronal network dysfunctions and cognitive deficits. In ourLire la suite “AD before plaques”

Attentional modulation of non-tuned tuning curves

Tuning curves are the functions that relate the responses of sensory neurons to various values within one continuous stimulus dimension (such as the orientation of a bar in the visual domain or the frequency of a tone in the auditory domain). They are commonly determined by fitting a bell-shaped curve to the measured responses. However,Lire la suite “Attentional modulation of non-tuned tuning curves”