Tohoku University School of Medicine

脳機能を脳ー身体ー環境を含む全体としてとらえて、研究することをイメージした図。脳はさらに、様々な部位に分かれ、階層的、かつ並行的に働いている。行動制御への脳の役割を解明するには、システムとしての、それぞれがどのように働いているか、また相互作用することで、各モジュールの機能を超えたより高次の機能が生み出されるメカニズムを解明する。そのためには、脳をシステムとして複合的な手法で研究する。

System neuroscience （From neurons to cognitive function） 　Mission of our laboratory is to understand cognitive functions from neurons. Especially we are interested in how the brain regulates behavior such as voluntary motor control, sequencing multiple movements, memory-guided and sensory-guided behaviors. Multichannel recording, optogenetic manipulations, and optical imaging technique allow us to examine how higher-cognitive functions emerge through interactions of neurons while animals are engaged in cognitive tasks. Our main targets are frontal motor areas and prefrontal areas. Brain is dynamically organized structures and shows wide range of oscillations while animals are involved in various behavior tasks and in various brain states. We studied how brain oscillations emerge and interact with each other through multichannel recordings with optogenetic interventions in transgenic animals. Our main targets are beta-gamma oscillations and their relationship with behaviors. We also develop innovative multichannel electrode in collaboration with medical engineering department. Optical up conversion technique allow us to stimulate targeti n depth of the brain through infrared light. We tried to introduce silicon-based and more flexible type of electrodes in multichannel recording. In human subjects, we tried to develop gaze-monitoring devices and pupil size monitoring devices to detect shift of attention and tones of autonomic systems. Finally we are interested in how brain science is applied to education especially fostering non-cognitive skills such as communication skills.

>> keywords
prefrontal cortex , supplementary motor cortex(SMA) , preSMA , premotor cortex(PMd,PMv) , Cingulate motor area , parietal cortex , basal ganglia , cerebellum , electrodes , fMRI , embodied cognitive science , problem-solving , dynamical system , state-transition , dynamic representation , behavioral goal , motor sequence , bimanual coordination , goal-oriented operation , interval timing , oculomotor and manual movement , category of movement sequence , tool use , number cognition