Jeffrey C. Erlich @jerlich@qoto.org

#Nature Neural signal propagation atlas of Caenorhabditis elegans https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06683-4 "23,433 pairs of neurons across the head of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Signal propagation differs from model predictions that are based on anatomy. Extrasynaptic signalling not visible from anatomy contributes to this difference. Extrasynaptically released neuropeptides serve a similar function to that of classical neurotransmitters. Both synaptic and extrasynaptic signalling drive neural dynamics on short timescales."

Jonny Lovelace, Jingrui Ma, ... and Vinny Augustine discovered the vagal pathway underlying fainting, really exciting work, summarized here: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03450-3 , full paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06680-7 (I helped a little w/ neural analyses)

When the mouse faints, its eyes roll back and most neurons across the brain *shut off completely* (at yellow line in first figure, shows one example #neuropixels recording). But neurons in the hypothalamic PVZ increased their firing during this time period (first group in the second figure). These neurons were causally implicated: inhibition increased fainting duration while excitation increased arousal.

#neuroscience #syncope #fainting #vagal #discovery

Hi everyone!

The BrainGlobe Initiative exists to facilitate the development of interoperable Python-based tools for computational neuroanatomy, particularly in model organisms.

For more details please see https://brainglobe.info or chat with us at https://brainglobe.zulipchat.com.

#neuroscience

Closing application date coming soon (Oct 30th) for this 3-year #Postdoc position in the lab of @katejjeffery, now in Glasgow!

“on the neural processing of space and direction in freely behaving rodents”

https://www.nature.com/naturecareers/job/12804781/research-associate/

#NeuroJob #JefferyLab #Electrophysiology #Neuroscience

Surprisingly, the block prior was represented by few neurons in very few regions. To investigate this further, we devoted a whole companion paper to it, where additional analyses discovered widespread representations of the prior. (7/8)
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.04.547684v1

We are excited to present a Brain-Wide Map of neural activity during a complex decision-making behavior, a product of the monumental effort of 22 labs: 547 Neuropixels recordings in 267 brain regions from 115 mice collected in 11 labs 🐭 (1/8)
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.04.547681v2
#neuroscience

🚨We have an open position for a research assistant in systems #neuroscience! Please, check the attachment for details. Reposts are welcome 🙂

I was wondering what right now must feel like for the Israelis that have been fighting the Netanyahu government and/or pushing for an end to hostilities with the Palestinians. The visceral pain of the brutal terrorism Israel experienced has to conflict with the awareness of the inevitably brutal response that is happening/coming. That tension must be unbearable.

https://jewishcurrents.org/we-cannot-cross-until-we-carry-each-other

Looking to launch your career in neuroscience? Apply to join our 2024 PhD programme at SWC:

🧠 World-class training in systems neuroscience
💰 Fully-funded 4-year programme
💂 Based in London with close links to the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit

Learn more and apply by 20 Nov: https://www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/content/phd-programme

#PhD #Neuroscience #Career #Training #London

blavaan 0.5-1 is now on CRAN, including initial functionality for two-level structural equation models. Estimation happens via #mcmc_stan

If you don't know these models, they are multivariate Gaussian models with three levels (e.g., multiple response variables within people within schools).

Some further info is here:
https://ecmerkle.github.io/blavaan/articles/multilevel.html

Learn how easy it is to make beeswarm and raincloud plots (more transparent alternatives to box plots) using {ggbeeswarm}, {ggdist} & {gghalves} in a new ALA Labs post by me & Shandiya Balasubramaniam

https://labs.ala.org.au/posts/2023-08-28_alternatives-to-box-plots/post.html

#rstats #dataviz #QuartoPub #AusTraits #ggplot2

“Our study revealed a previously unknown cooperative thalamocortical circuit mechanism in which the VIP neurons work as a switching board. When VIP neurons are off, pulvinar suppresses the neocortex, but when VIP neurons are on, pulvinar can boost the neocortex. Sensory prediction error signals thus emerge through a collaborative action of neocortex and thalamus.”

Shohei Furutachi and colleagues in the Hofer and Mrsic-Flogel labs have shown how sensory prediction error signals arise in V1, in a new preprint.

Read the full story: https://www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/blog/deciphering-brains-prediction-machine

🔬🧠🌐 The Neuro-Cooper Open Science Prizes

I am thrilled to announce that the 2023 Neuro-Cooper Open Science Prizes are officially open for applications! For those unfamiliar with the prize, it stands as a beacon in the scientific community, recognizing and rewarding both junior and senior researchers who are pushing the boundaries of open neuroscience.

Check out the full details of the application process here
👉 https://at.theneuro.ca/cooperprizes

Three years ago, we launched this prize with a simple yet ambitious goal - to elevate those who embody the spirit of open science, fostering collaboration, data sharing, and transparency within neuroscience. Today, the Neuro-Cooper Open Science Prizes have become a respected staple in our community, and I am humbled by the impact it has made.

On a personal note, after serving as the chair of the selection committee for the last three years, I have decided to step down from my role. The journey has been enlightening, full of inspiring people and innovative ideas. I'm so happy that Thomas Duncan has accepted to take over the committee, perpetuating our shared commitment to open science.

As we open the floor for the 2023 applications, I want to extend my gratitude to all the researchers, collaborators, and institutions who have made the Neuro-Cooper Open Science Prizes what it is today. Your relentless pursuit of open and collaborative science is the driving force behind this initiative.

To the future applicants - I can't wait to see how you're transforming the world of neuroscience. Keep breaking those boundaries!

#OpenScience #Neuroscience #Collaboration #Innovation#NeuroCooperPrize

I slightly wish the media would switch its messaging from "We're all gonna die!!!" to "Here's what we need to do to stop the dying" (starting with - defund the fossil fuel companies and vote environment...)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66229065

I finally carved out some time to sit down and finished what I promised
@steffilazerte almost 15 months ago.

I wrote about how I use the r-universe (by @rOpenSci) to not only deploy The #CarpentriesWorkbench packages, but also stable versions and bugfixes _for its depenendencies_.

https://zkamvar.netlify.app/blog/r-universe-and-cran/

#RStats