Two computational studies yield insights into learning, memory
The lab of Professor Terrence Sejnowski recently used computational models in two studies to better understand how brain cells learn and manage short-term memory. In the first study, the team, which included Salk Professor Kay Tye, simulated more accurately than ever before the process of applying previously learned knowledge to new situations. The work, which appeared in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could improve artificial intelligence programs.
The second study, published in Nature Neuroscience, showed how the brain maintains short-term information using specific types of neurons. The work could help shed light on why working memory is impaired in a broad range of neuropsychiatric disorders as well as in normal aging.
Salk’s simulated system could help develop better artificial intelligence, treatments for brain disorders
Salk research is first to show where different cells associated with triggering sensorimotor reflexes are located in spinal cord
When you touch a hot stove, your hand reflexively pulls away; if you miss a rung on a ladder, you instinctively catch yourself. Now, Salk Professor Martyn Goulding and his team have mapped the physical organization of cells in the spinal cord that help mediate these and similar critical “sensorimotor reflexes.” The work, described in Neuron, could lead to a better understanding of how the sensorimotor system develops and can go awry in conditions such as chronic itch or pain.
Award-winning cancer researcher to join Salk faculty
Credit: Bekah Lynn Photography
The Salk Institute is excited to welcome Assistant Professor Christina Towers, a top researcher in the field of cancer biology. Towers will join Salk’s renowned NCI-designated Cancer Center to examine how cancer cells recycle both their own nutrients and the power-generating structures called mitochondria in order to survive. Her long-term goal is to improve the treatment options for cancer patients.
Salk neuroscientists receive $4.4 million from NIH BRAIN Initiative to advance insights into the brain
Professor Edward Callaway, Associate Professor Sreekanth Chalasani and Senior Postdoctoral Fellow Nancy Padilla Coreano have been named recipients in the 2020 round of grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to gain new insights into brain function.
Assistant Professor Dmitry Lyumkis receives CAREER award from National Science Foundation to explore how viruses sustain infection
Assistant Professor Dmitry Lyumkis is the recipient of a Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Lyumkis will receive almost $1.8 million over four years to examine how some viruses such as HIV hijack host protein machinery to sustain infection.
Salk Staff Scientist Uri Manor, director of the Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Core Facility, will receive $690,116 over three years from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) as one of 22 CZI Imaging Scientists. He will develop new open-source imaging tools and data sets while expanding his educational outreach.
Salk to receive grant for Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars program
The $35,000 grant will enable more historically-underrepresented young adults to participate in the Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars program. During the program, student scholars work on original research projects with Salk scientist-mentors and participate in other organized learning experiences as part of an eight-week, paid internship at the Salk Institute.
Looking for a unique background image for your computer, Zoom meeting, iPad or phone?
This month’s image comes from a recent press release from the lab of Martyn Goulding. This image shows the organization of interneurons in the spinal cord.
