In Person Seminar: Three Photon Imaging of Active Neural Networks During Visual Processing in the Living Brain

About this Seminar

The micro-architecture of layer four neural activity (spiking and synaptic) along with individual blood vessel responses is unknown because conventional two-photon imaging cannot access deeper cortical layers. The organizing principles of neural maps and the selectivity of hemodynamic responses is of paramount importance for laminar processing because the thalamic inputs arriving into layer four are untuned. Three-photon imaging triples the imaging depth compared with two-photon imaging. Using this optical technique and high-resolution fMRI, Dr. Kara and his lab have determined the extent to which different types of neural (spiking, synaptic) and vascular signals (blood flow from individual vessels and fMRI voxels) are coupled across cortical layers in the cat V1. Dr. Kara's data show systematic changes in selectivity of hemodynamic signals across cortical layers that have clear underpinnings in neural circuitry and the propagation of hemodynamic signals.

Additional Details

This is a free event hosted by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and co-sponsored by Executive Director Michael Friedlander. The Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series, which runs annually from September to May, has featured leading biomedical researchers from throughout the country since the program began in 2012. The lectures are also open to all members of the Virginia Tech community including graduate students, undergraduates, faculty, and staff, as well as the public.

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