Barron Group

Throughout our lifetime we continually learn new information that we can later recall to guide adaptive behaviour. Our lab studies the specialised cell and circuit mechanisms in the brain that support this process. We investigate how memories are stored to allow precise recall; how we form links between memories to draw inferences; and the role of sleep in modulating memories over time.

We use a cross-species approach to bridge data across different scales. This involves designing tasks that assess equivalent behaviours in humans and animal models. We then leverage a diverse set of technologies to record and manipulate neuronal activity. For example, to measure precise cell and circuit mechanisms that cannot be directly measured in the living human brain we use multiunit electrophysiology, calcium imaging and optogenetic manipulations. To record and manipulate activity in the living human brain we use neuroimaging and brain stimulation. We then integrate measurements across different scales by transforming data into a common statistical framework where we can apply machine learning methods to define neural codes and computations.

Our cross-species approach provides insight into the physiological mechanisms that underpin memory in the context of adaptive behaviour. We can then leverage our approach to assess how disturbances to these mechanisms might explain core symptoms reported in neuropsychiatric disorders. Overall, our research is designed to make fundamental discoveries that can be used to inform clinical translation.