Our lab investigates how to protect the cortex from ischemic stroke. We induce stroke through permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and employ various methods to image blood flow and neuronal activity.
Additionally, we probe pre- and post- stroke brain function using sensory stimulation, including auditory stimulation and…
whisker stimulation. Remarkably, stimulating the whiskers within two hours of permanent MCA occlusion can protect the neocortex from impending ischemic damage.
We also employ sensory stimulation and blood flow/neuronal imaging for our investigations into the general principles of neocortical structure and function. Our findings show that neocortical gray matter is structurally and functionally continuous—forming a borderless neuronal tissue.
The neocortex responds powerfully to context. In naturalistic habitats, rats show brain plasticity fundamentally different from what’s seen in standard cages.
Building upon these findings, we developed the Enhanced Naturalistic Habitat (ENH). As part of our lab’s new journey into social neuroscience, we employ the ENH to understand natural social behaviors and vocal communication in rats.