Hippocampal oscillations and associative learning: Stepping out of the maze and exploring new waves
Main funder
Funder's project number: 275954
Funds granted by main funder (€)
- 434 485,00
Funding program
Project timetable
Project start date: 01/09/2014
Project end date: 31/08/2019
Summary
Hippocampus is undoubtedly the brain structure most involved in learning and memory. Yet, research has been focused on only a limited set of phenomena: It is currently hypothesized that hippocampal oscillations called theta (~6 Hz) are responsible for encoding information whereas ripples (~200 Hz) are the means of long-term memory consolidation. However, evidence is limited and contradictory. Here, the role of both hippocampal theta and ripples in learning are investigated using a model of associative learning called eyeblink classical conditioning. In addition, the role of hippocampal dentate spikes, a phenomenon overlooked for the past 15 years, is examined. The aim is to identify moments in time when the brain most efficiently encodes information as well as to elucidate the systems level mechanisms of memory consolidation. Eventually, the results obtained can be tested in humans and ultimately applied to optimize learning in both healthy and diseased brains.
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