Research projects
Our research is currently focused on two important projects, both dealing with neuronal oscillations.
We investigate issues ranging from mechanistic levels, of rhythm generation, up to the level of human cognition,
with the emphasis on the functional role of oscillations in different frequency bands.
I. Complexity of Cortical Dynamics During Perceptual Binding: Gamma Oscillations
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The project investigates the role of gamma oscillations in perceptual binding, from the perspective of complexity of neuronal dynamics. Previous studies have addressed the association between gamma oscillations and perception, or even further, between gamma oscillations and conscious processing of sensory stimuli. We investigate the role of gamma oscillations using well controlled stimulation paradigms, recording high density EEG patterns during perceptual tasks, and analyzing the complexity of neuronal dynamics by application of state-of-the-art techniques, such as Fractal Dimension, TESPAR, Multidimensional Pattern Analysis, etc. Funding: project code is ID-48/2007 being funded, through contract ID No. 204/2007 from the State Budget of Romania: National Program II for Research, Development and Innovation, subprogram Human Resources, administered by the Ministerium for Education, Research and Youth through the Executive Unit for Financing High Education and University Scientific Research (UEFISCSU). |
II. Dynamics of Cortical Microcircuits: Oscillations, Resonance, Synchronization
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The project investigates the role of cellular properties, such as voltage-gated membrane resonance, on the development of neuronal oscillations in large microcircuits of neurons. The studies involve extensive computer simulations of neuronal membrane behavior and large networks of neurons as well as analysis of multi-electrode data recorded from cat visual cortex. Funding: project code RP-5/2007 being funded, through contract RP No. 1/2007 from the State Budget of Romania: National Program II for Research, Development and Innovation, subprogram Human Resources, administered by the Ministerium for Education, Research and Youth through the Executive Unit for Financing High Education and University Scientific Research (UEFISCSU). |
III. Max Planck - Coneural Partner Group
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The project is intended to strengthen the collaboration between Coneural and Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt (MPI). We established a direct and close collaboration with the Neurophysiology Department of the MPI, led by Prof. Wolf Singer. There are numerous projects ongoing that will include, among others, the study of temporal structure in neuronal activity. Various techniques will be employed, starting with multi-electrode recordings, to EEG and finally computer modeling and data analysis. Funding: the project is being funded by the Max Planck Society from Germany. |