goals and approach
The Neurobiology of Action group at the Allen Institute is developing and using genetic, electrophysiological, optical, and behavioral approaches to investigate how the brain adaptively controls behavior and internal organ function. More specifically the team focuses on understanding the descending circuits controlling the execution of actions, and how they change when actions are reinforced and refined. During adaptive behavior, the brain must not only control actions through muscles but also the function of other internal organs. Therefore, the team is also characterizing the descending innervation of internal organs, like the spleen and pancreas, and how the brain learns to modulate their function.
Image credit: Matteo Farinella
