Quiyu Wu
Current Research Interests:
I am interested in studying the neural basis of visual perception and visual learning, in other words, how visual information, along with other information such as reward time, is encoded in the primary visual cortex. We know that connections between neurons can change their strength based on the previous neuronal activity, a phenomenon called synaptic plasticity. On the other hand, a reward can trigger the release of neuromodulators, which can modulate synaptic plasticity. I want to understand the underlying mechanism for the association of visual information and reward using acute brain slice electrophysiology, namely whole cell patch clamp. It is common for autistic patients to have visual perception and learning deficits, which may be related to disrupted synaptic plasticity. Understanding how disrupted synaptic plasticity may lead to deficits in visual perception and learning will facilitate the identification of drug targets and the development of more effective treatments for autism.
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