Neuroscience Seminars
Upcoming Seminars
March 25 4:30 pm Olin
Dr. Bard Ermentrout, U of Pittsburgh
(hosted by Math/CS)
Title: Reading the Thoughts of a Mollusk: The Neural Origins of Seashell Structure and Pattern
Abstract:
We explain how the simple neurosecretory system of aquatic mollusks is able to generate the diverse array of structures and pigmentation patterns found among their shells. By constructing a mathematical representation of this biological system, we first explain how it gives rise to many distinct shell shapes. Then we shift our focus to the pigmentation control system. We demonstrate how our mathematical model also faithfully reproduces many of the even more diverse pigmentation patterns. The anatomical and physiological basis of this model sets it apart from other mathematical representations of shape and pattern. In addition to explaining the shell construction and patterns, we also predict patterns of shell repair in response to environmentally induced disruptions. The model makes additional predictions about the potential evolutionary relationships between shells with different patterns. Finally, there are several novel mechanisms for pattern formation suggested by the model.
April 12 10:30 am Nobel 305
Dr. Jay Demas, St Olaf
Intrinsically photosensitve retinal ganglion cells
April 23 2010 2:30 pm
Dr. Kandice Fero, NIH
Neural control of behavior: insights from larval zebrafish-
I will discuss my interests in both the neurobiological and evolutionary mechanisms
that shape behavioral phenotypes. In particular, I will discuss my current research
using larval zebrafish and neurogenetic tools to characterize the neural circuits
underlying motor control and balance.
POSTPONED
May 7 2010
Dr Stacey Tovino, Drake University Law School
Neuroscience and the Law
Recent Seminars
September 24 2009
7 pm in Wallenberg Auditorium
Jack El-Hai, author of "The Lobotomist"
History of psychosurgery and the life of the controversial doctor who made the lobotomy famous.
April 30 2009
Dr. Andrew Reeves, Mayo and ISJ
"Clinical Neurology Observations"
April 17 2009
Dr. Michael Menaker, University of Virginia
"Circadian Organization: From black box to molecular mechanism & back"