Eyal Gruntman
Research Interests
We study how the brain extracts visual information to guide behaviour. From the 2D input that is generated by our photoreceptors, we are somehow able to identify objects, separate them from the background, and determine their motion direction. These fundamental computations happen already in our retina, before the visual information is even sent to the brain. The focus of our laboratory is to understand how visual circuits carry out these computations and how the brain assembles complex percepts from elementary features.
We use the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model organism utilizing its rich repertoire of visually guided behaviours, powerful genetic tools, and complete electron microscopy connectome datasets. By combining electrophysiology with behavioural analysis and modern Drosophila tools to trace and manipulate neural circuits, we aim to uncover single-neuron computations within the context of brain-wide networks.
Keywords
- Neural circuit basis of behaviour
- Animal behaviour
- Connectomics analysis
- Electrophysiology
Research Area
Sensory processing, Systems Neuroscience, Neuronal computations
Current Research
- Uncovering the mechanism for Figure-Ground separation.
- Understanding how ON and OFF motion pathways are re-integrated in the brain.
- Using the optic-lobe connectome to uncover dedicated visual circuits.
Teaching Interests
NROC34: Neuroethology
NROD08: Theoretical Neuroscience
We are currently recruiting. Please inquire via email.