Lectures and seminars Science Today – the science of light
Welcome to the tenth edition of Science Today on the theme of light, where three scientists will present research that provides new insights.
Science Today is a recurring afterwork that kickstarts the brain and the weekend with the most exciting research of the day and some of Stockholm’s best DJs. Science Today invites PhD students and postdocs from KI, KTH and SU to present their research on stage in the bistro.
The theme of this edition of Science Today reflects the upcoming, annual light festival Nobel Week Lights. Welcome to a night full of illuminating insights!
Speaker from KI
Marina Slashcheva, PhD candidate, Karolinska Institutet, Neuroscience department, Marie Carlen group
Subject: Shedding light on the role of distinct neurons in cognition
The brain consists of multiple types of neurons. Just like different people, neurons have distinct characteristics: they behave differently, connect to different parts of the brain, and are affected by disorders to varying degrees. Using light, we investigate how major classes of excitatory neurons contribute to cognitive processes. A method called optogenetics allows us to ’hack’ neurons and modify them so that they can be influenced by light—either silencing their activity or amplifying it. These manipulations provide insights into how neurons are involved in decision-making and, potentially, how they can be targeted for the treatment of mental disorders.
Language
English
Target group
All students