My primary research focus is on olfactory perception, with a particular emphasis on how past experiences and an individual’s physiological or pathological state modulate sensory circuits to shape their perception of the world.
In this context, I have focused on a fascinating process called “adult neurogenesis.” This is the creation and integration of new neurons in a fully developed brain. The discovery of stem cells that can produce new neurons in the adult brain revolutionized our understanding of how brain circuits can change and adapt. I have particularly studied how these new neurons become incorporated into existing neural networks and contribute to the brain’s remarkable ability to modify and rewire itself throughout life.
As an expert in electrophysiology and the analysis of synaptic function and plasticity, I have been studying the neurophysiology of the olfactory bulb for nearly 20 years. My research has particularly focused on the function of adult-born interneurons and top-down processes in the context of olfactory learning and memory.
Several key questions remain regarding adult neurogenesis:
How and why does the adult brain continually generate new neurons?
What are the specific functions of these newly integrated neurons?
How does adult neurogenesis impact cognition and emotional processing?
Does this process influence age-related cognitive decline?
These questions highlight the complexities of adult neurogenesis and its potential roles in maintaining and shaping brain function throughout life.
