Neuroscience Perspectives

<p>Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of neuroscience with our expert guests as they explore the mysteries of the brain and the latest breakthroughs in research with our host, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112360965-john-j-foxe">John Foxe, PhD</a>, director of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/del-monte-neuroscience.aspx">Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester</a>.</p><p>Each episode features in-depth conversations with leading scientists, who unravel complex topics and tackle intriguing questions like: How does the brain shape our behavior? What role do genetics play in our health? How do early life experiences shape brain function and critical periods of brain development? Listen as they share their unique journeys to neuroscience research, lessons learned from the bench, and discoveries that transform our understanding of neurodevelopmental diseases and disorders like autism and Rett syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.</p><p>Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or just curious about the brain, our podcast will spark your interest, expand your understanding of this dynamic field, and lift the veil on how leaders in brain research made it to where they are today. Don’t miss out on your journey into the depths of neuroscience with experts from around the world—subscribe now!</p>

Unlocking the Brain's Communication Hub: The Power of the Thalamus with Dr. S. Murray Sherman

In this special episode of Neuroscience Perspectives, host John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, sits down with S. Murray Sherman, PhD, Maurice Goldblatt Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Chicago, in Chicago at the annual Society for Neuroscience (SfN) conference. Sherman is a neuroscientist known for his groundbreaking work on the thalamus. Dive into a compelling conversation that unravels how the thalamus plays a pivotal role as the brain's relay center, transforming sensory input into meaningful perceptions and actions. Discover how Dr. Sherman's research sheds light on the thalamus's intricate connections to cortical regions, revealing its role in shaping critical cognitive functions. From vision to decision-making, his work was integral in informing the understanding of the visual pathway from the retina through the thalamus to the cortex, and it also revealed other cortical areas organized in parallel to direct connections.Learn how mentors and a bit of luck played critical roles in his journey, including Nobel laureates Richard Feynman, PhD, Roger Sperry, PhD, and Ray Guillery, PhD, who would become Sherman's longtime collaborator.Link to Sherman's SfN profile piece.Whether you're a neuroscientist or just interested in the brain —listen, learn, and subscribe to Neuroscience Perspectives today!

11-19
26:16

Exploring the Genetic Dance of Neurons: What Roundworms Reveal About Behavior

In this episode of Neuroscience Perspectives, we dive into the microscopic world of C. elegans—tiny roundworms that are revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and behavior. Join host John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester as he chats with Doug Portman, PhD, the Donald M. Foster Professor of Biomedical Genetics, Biology, and Neuroscience, at URMC. Portman’s research unravels the intriguing ways that biological sex shapes neural development and influences behaviors, like the eternal quest for food versus the search for a mate.Discover how these unassuming creatures serve as a powerful model for understanding complex questions about the brain. What happens in the male C. elegans brain when the urge to find a mate overrides the basic need to eat? And how can these insights inform our understanding of sex differences in human health and disease susceptibility?Whether you’re a neuroscience enthusiast or just curious about how tiny organisms can help answer big questions—listen, learn, and subscribe to Neuroscience Perspectives today!

10-25
32:51

How a quest to find solutions for vision loss- turned a clinician into a scientist.

José Alain Sahel, MD, is a distinguished professor, eye and ear foundation professor, and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is also the director of the UPMC Vision Institute. Dr. Sahel is a leading expert in retinal diseases and vision restoration research and is a pioneer in optogenetic vision restoration. This therapeutic technique uses genetically modified cells in the retina to express light-sensitive proteins and could help patients who are blind or visually impaired because of a genetic defect. His research has also helped to develop several other interventions for vision impairment—including stem cell implantation, gene therapy, innovative pharmacologic approaches, and the artificial retina.Dr. Sahel was the keynote speaker at the 33rd Biennial Center for Visual Science Symposium at the University of Rochester. He joins John Foxe, PhD, for this episode of Neuroscience Perspectives.

09-19
27:55

What helped launch leaders in neuroscience into a lifetime of learning

Is there a defining moment that set you on your current path? In this episode of Neuroscience Perspectives, we’re revisiting origin stories – what launched leading neuroscientists into a lifetime of learning and interest in the brain. Host: John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience Guests (in order of appearance): Nathan A. Smith, PhD, associate dean for Equity & Inclusion for Research and Research Education and associate professor of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester School of Medicine School of Medicine and Dentistry, Full Episode: https://urmc.info/1G5 Fan Wang, PhD, professor, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute, MIT, Full Episode: https://urmc.info/1G7Takao Hensch, PhD, professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School at Boston Children’s Hospital and of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard’s Center for Brain Science, Full Episode: https://urmc.info/1G4 Jessica Cardin, PhD, associate professor, and vice chair of the Neuroscience Department at Yale School of Medicine, Full Episode: https://urmc.info/1G6 Kia Nobre, PhD, director of the Center for Neurocognition and Behavior at the Wu Tsai Institute at Yale University, Full Episode: https://urmc.info/1G3

08-22
09:04

Neuroscience insights: How to steer toward success in science

How often do you think about science fits into your life and how you fit into the field? For our 20th episode we are looking back at some of the advice that’s been shared by our guests on Neuroscience Perspectives. Host: John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience   Guests (in order of appearance): Katalin Gothard, PhD, professor of Physiology and Neuroscience at the University of Arizona Nathan A. Smith, PhD, associate dean for Equity & Inclusion for Research and Research Education and associate professor of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester School of Medicine School of Medicine and Dentistry Ed Callaway, PhD, professor and Audrey Geisel chair in the systems neurobiology laboratories at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies Kia Nobre, PhD, director of the Center for Neurocognition and Behavior at the Wu Tsai Institute at Yale University Takao Hensch, PhD, professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School at Boston Children’s Hospital and of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard’s Center for Brain Science Lucina Uddin, PhD, professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA Yoland Smith, PhD, Division Chief, Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Emory National Primate Research Center Jessica Cardin, PhD, associate professor, and vice chair of the Neuroscience Department at Yale School of Medicine Brian Boyd, PhD, William C. Friday Distinguished professor of Education and interim director of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Jeffrey Macklis, MD, Max and Anne Wien professor of Life Sciences, in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science at Harvard University

07-24
16:54

How are the brain systems that support adaptive human cognition and behavior organized?

Kia Nobre, PhD, is the director of the Center for Neurocognition and Behavior at the Wu Tsai Institute at Yale University. Her discoveries have revolutionized our scientific understanding of the human mind and #brain. She tells John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, about the great gift she acquired as a child that leveraged her education at an early age. Nobre recently returned to her alma mater after spending most of her career at Oxford University where she held several leadership roles, including the director of the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity. #podcast #brain #neuroscience #humanbrain #humanbehavior #understanding #behaviour #behavior #yaleuniversity #oxford

06-20
42:36

How do early life experiences shape brain function and critical periods of brain development?

Takao Hensch, PhD, is a professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School at Boston Children’s Hospital and a professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard’s Center for Brain Science. He leads the National Institute of Mental Health Silvio Conte Center on Mental Health Research at Harvard and the International Research Center for Neurointelligence. Dr. Hensch joins John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, on NeURoscience Perspectives to discuss the critical periods of brain development and whether plasticity can be reopened to target and treat disease. He also shares how being multilingual first piqued his interest in how the brain works.

05-15
30:11

How are injury and illness monitored in the brain? And how can scientists diversify the bench?

How are injury and illness monitored in the brain? Once thought of as the glue of the brain, glia cells have been proven to play a key role in brain health with astrocytes acting as important messengers. These star-like cells are at the center of the research of Nathan A. Smith, PhD, associate dean for Equity & Inclusion for Research and Research Education and associate professor of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester Medical Center and School of Medicine, who joins John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, on NeURoscience Perspectives. They explore Smith’s journey into science that started with the gift of a microscope from his mother, how research experience shaped his academic career, and why he is steadfast on wearing two hats to transform the future of the field.

04-18
26:13

How do we learn? How does our brain change between different mental states?

What changes happen at the cellular level in the cerebral cortex between concentration and daydreaming? Jessica Cardin, PhD, associate professor and vice chair of the Neuroscience Department at Yale School of Medicine, joins John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, on NeURoscience Perspectives. They explore her interest in understanding how we learn, specifically, the flexibility of our brain, and her creative approaches in the lab that aim to improve our understanding of the cellular mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism or schizophrenia. Dr. Cardin also shares how conducting experiments during childhood helped shape her curiosity.

03-06
24:19

How does the brain perceive touch? How does it process pain?

How does the brain perceive touch? How does it process pain? Could what we know about pain better inform treatments for addiction? Fan Wang, PhD, professor in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences department at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, joins John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester for this engaging discussion in NeURoscience Perspectives. Hear her journey to research, how the focus of her lab has transformed over time, and how she is using role as a researcher to better the lives of others.

02-14
24:47

What does the spontaneous activity in the brain tell us?

Lucina Uddin, PhD, professor-in-residence of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at University of California, Los Angeles, joins John Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester for this engaging discussion in NeURoscience Perspectives. Hear her journey to research, how she’s taking on diversity and inclusion in the NIH funded largest long-term study of adolescent brain development (the ABCD Study), and her best advice for aspiring scientists.

11-16
22:54

NeURoscience Perspectives: Brian Boyd, PhD

How a paragraph in a textbook and a summer camp were pivotal to the career of Brian Boyd, PhD, William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of Education Interim Director of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina (UNC). Boyd has dedicated his career to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He trained in special education, and much of his research has involved developing and evaluating evidence-based practices for children with ASD in schools and at home. His recent work focuses on how implicit bias and race affect the outcomes of children with and without disabilities. He sat down with John J. Foxe, PhD, director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, on a visit to the Medical Center as one of the keynote speakers of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience and UR-IDDRC annual symposium.

10-26
19:00

NeURoscience Perspectives: Yoland Smith, PhD

In this episode of NeURoscience Perspectives, John J. Foxe, PhD, the director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, is joined by Yoland Smith, PhD, Division Chief, Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Emory National Primate Research Center. Dr. Smith [https://bit.ly/43TGPwG] seeks to understand the pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease and characterize changes in the synaptic plasticity of the basal ganglia in normal and pathological conditions. He shares one of the biggest challenges in Parkinson's research. Dr. Smith is a prolific publisher with more than 250 peer-reviewed manuscripts on the pathophysiology of brain networks in Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders. He is also a senior editor at the European Journal of Neuroscience and discusses why it is a position he has become passionate about. He also discuss the importance of mentorship throughout ones career and why a job in academia research is the best job to have. A transcript version is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mLVSTiOgOM4

06-27
27:32

NeURoscience Perspective: Dean Salisbury, PhD

In this episode of NeURoscience Perspectives, John J. Foxe, PhD, the director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, is joined by Dean Salisbury, PhD, a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Salisbury [https://www.cnrl.pitt.edu/] helped to change the conceptualization of schizophrenia as a static, perinatal encephalopathy by pioneering the combined use of structural brain imaging and electroencephalographic (EEG) measurement of auditory cortex responses to demonstrate that progressive gray matter loss during the early disease course of schizophrenia is linked to progressive auditory impairment. A transcript version is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hP8m1csJgPE

05-24
17:19

NeURoscience Perspectives: Katalin Gothard, MD, PhD

In this episode of NeURoscience Perspectives, John J. Foxe, PhD, the Director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, is joined by Katalin Gothard, MD, PhD, a professor of Physiology and Neuroscience at the University of Arizona. Dr. Gothard's lab [https://gothardlab.org/] studies the neural basis of emotion and social behavior. Originally, from Romania Dr. Gothard worked in the orphanages while she trained to be a physician. Today, her research mostly focuses on touch, and what she experienced with those children early in her career is never far from her mind. Don't miss her incredible story. A transcript version is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JOlDtM7J0es

05-18
21:08

NeURoscience Perspectives: Qiang Chang, PhD

In this episode of NeURoscience Perspectives with John Foxe, PhD, the Director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, he is joined by Qiang Chang, PhD, a professor of Medical Genetics & Neurology at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Chang's lab studies Rett syndrome, a developmental disorder caused by mutations that deform an essential protein called MeCP2. [https://www.waisman.wisc.edu/stem-cel...]. He is the director of the Waisman Center at and leads the Intellectual and Developmental Research Center at UW-Madison. A transcript version is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PJocpQy-mzA

11-29
34:51

NeURoscience Perspectives: Helen Barbas, PhD

In this episode of NeURoscience Perspectives with John Foxe, PhD, the Director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, he sits down with Helen Barbas, PhD, a professor of Anatomy & Neurobiology at Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Barbas started her lab, Neural Systems Laboratory [https://www.bu.edu/neural/], at BU in the 1980s and has made numerous contributions to our understanding of circuits in the prefrontal cortex in primates. Deemed a pioneer in neuroanatomy of the primate brain, she pursued work in the prefrontal cortex that others though was “too complex to study”. A transcript version is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mxcU4NhbdvU

10-13
09:40

NeURoscience Perspectives: Bea Luna, PhD

In this episode of NeURoscience Perspectives with John J. Foxe, PhD, the Director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, he sits down with Bea Luna, PhD, a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Luna is a developmental neuroscientist known for conducting neuroimaging research on the development of cognitive control, reward, and reinforcement learning from early childhood to adolescence. She shares her journey from Chile to the U.S. as a teen, why she has spent her career dedicated to understanding adolescence brain development, her time working in the White House, and reflects on being a woman and mother in science. A transcript version is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b4-8FQq9za0

09-14
17:21

NeURoscience Perspectives: Tatiana Pasternak, PhD

In this episode of NeURoscience Perspectives, John Foxe, PhD, the Director of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester sits down with Tatiana Pasternak, PhD, a Scientific Review Officer at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Dr. Pasternak spent more than 40-years as a Professor of Neuroscience and researcher at the University of Rochester. Watch to learn about her research and her personal journey from Lativa to the United States, and how she continued her neuroscience education along the way. A transcript version is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W-QkpfL_4pM

01-11
19:42

NeURoscience Perspectives: Ed Callaway, PhD

In this episode of NeURoscience Perspectives, John J. Foxe, PhD, the Director of the Del Monte Institute at the University of Rochester, sits down with Ed Callaway, PhD, professor and Audrey Geisel chair in the systems neurobiology laboratories at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California. A transcript version is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/om3zkpm0AEE

07-09
26:16

Recommend Channels