The Role of Sub-cortical Inputs and Neuromodulators in Memory Formation

NYU professor Gyorgy Buzsaki has made seminal contributions to understanding how neuronal networks in the brain encode and processes information. He established the synaptic basis of the brain’s theta and gamma rhythms, and sharp waves. Based upon extensive amounts of data generated from multielectrode recordings he developed a two-stage model of memory trace consolidation which shows how information encoded in cerebral cortical circuits during learning transiently modifies neural circuits in the hippocampus which is followed by reactivation and consolidation of those memory traces during sleep. He emphasizes an evolutionary perspective in which cognition emerges from actions. This view of cognition has important implications for the interpretation of data from studies in non-behaving animals including humans. 

LINKS:

Professor Buzsaki’s lab page:

Lecture on the emergence of cognition from action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bll2kw7ufno

Book: Rhythms of the Brain: https://www.amazon.com/Rhythms-Brain-Gyorgy-Buzsaki/dp/0199828237/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1699708345&refinements=p_27%3AGyorgy+Buzsaki&s=books&sr=1-2

Review articles:

https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev-neuro-101222-110632

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5998813/pdf/nihms948524.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4895837/pdf/nihms-788763.pdf