Journal of Neurophysiology

Deep brain stimulation of A13 region evokes robust locomotory response in rats

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:17:23 +0000

In this episode, coauthors Anupam Bisht and Cecilia Badenhorst discuss their study, “Deep brain stimulation of A13 region evokes robust locomotory response in rats.” Their research demonstrates that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the A13 region in rats robustly increases locomotor activity without inducing anxiety using a novel wireless stimulation approach, suggesting that A13 may be a promising therapeutic target for gait dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease.

Deep brain stimulation of A13 region evokes robust locomotory response in rats

Anupam Bisht, Cecilia Badenhorst, Zelma H. T. Kiss, Kartikeya Murari, and Patrick J. Whelan

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:5, 1594-1606

Pharmacological modulation of the M-current shapes locomotor function in developing zebrafish

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:27:01 +0000

In this episode, coauthors Stephanie Gaudreau and Tuan Bui discuss their recently published research, “Pharmacological modulation of the M-current shapes locomotor function in developing zebrafish.” For the first time, they show that the M-current influences escape responses and swimming in larval zebrafish, with experiments in isolated spinal preparations revealing its presence in spinal circuits.

Pharmacological modulation of the M-current shapes locomotor function in developing zebrafish Stephanie F. Gaudreau and Tuan V. Bui

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:6, 1795-1806

Legacy of Dr. Joseph Erlanger: A Conversation with Dorothy Erlanger and Dr. Nino Ramirez

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:08:25 +0000

In our latest episode, Journal of Neurophysiology Editor-in-Chief Dr. Nino Ramirez discusses the life and scientific legacy of Dr. Joseph Erlanger with Dr. Erlanger’s granddaughter, Dorothy Erlanger. While the world knows Dr. Joseph Erlanger as a scientific pioneer in the fields of neuroscience and cardiovascular science, Dorothy Erlanger remembers her grandfather as a humble person who enjoyed weekly dinners and playing cards with his family. His work as an experimental pioneer led Dr. Erlanger, along with his collaborator Dr. Herbert Gasser, to be the first to visualize an action potential with the cathode-ray oscilloscope. This discovery led to Dr. Erlanger being awarded the Nobel Prize and continues to drive scientific discovery to this day. Listen as Dorothy Erlanger shares anecdotes about her grandfather’s real life as a scientist with engaging personal details, such as the description of the challenges Dr. Erlanger faced trying to obtain clean electrophysiological tracings with a streetcar line running beside the laboratory building. Dr. Ramirez shares the fascinating history of why Dr. Erlanger’s work was so revolutionary. How did Dr. Erlanger’s discovery about the complexities of differently shaped action potentials lead to breakthroughs in anesthesia, analgesia, and our understanding of pain? Listen now and find out.

Erlanger Family Gifts Renowned Physiologist’s Nobel Medal to APS

Higher hyperpolarization activated current (Ih) in a subpopulation of interneurons in stratum oriens of area CA1 in the hippocampus of Fragile X mice

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:48:21 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Lauren Hewitt discusses her recently published study, “Higher hyperpolarization activated current (Ih) in a subpopulation of interneurons in stratum oriens of area CA1 in the hippocampus of Fragile X mice.” The research examines how inhibitory interneurons are altered in a fragile X mouse model, revealing that increased Ih current reduces the excitability of a specific interneuron subtype. These findings highlight how changes in voltage-gated ion channel function can disrupt the brain’s excitatory/inhibitory balance, offering new insights into circuit dysfunction in fragile X syndrome.

Higher hyperpolarization-activated current in a subpopulation of interneurons in stratum oriens of area CA1 in the hippocampus of fragile X mice

Lauren T. Hewitt, Alyssa M. Marron, and Darrin H. Brager

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:5, 1558-1571

Emerging evidence on the effects of electrode arrangements and other parameters on the application of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:06:20 +0000

In this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology’s podcast series, coauthor Andrea Gigliotti discusses the newly published review, “Emerging evidence on the effects of electrode arrangements and other parameters on the application of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation.” Gigliotti explains how computer simulations are helping researchers understand the role of electrode placement, polarity, and tissue properties in shaping tsDCS outcomes. He also describes why dosage may matter less than previously thought and what future trials should consider to make tsDCS more effective in both research and clinical settings.

Emerging evidence on the effects of electrode arrangements and other parameters on the application of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation

Andrea Gigliotti and Hugo M. Pereira

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:2, 709-721

Motor Unit Firing Rates During Arm Cycling vs. Isometric Contractions

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:16:34 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Daniel C. Basile discusses the team’s newly published research, "Investigating motor unit firing rates during arm cycling compared with intensity-matched isometric contractions in humans." Until now, motor unit firing rates (MUFRs) during upper-limb locomotor tasks had not been recorded in humans, leaving gaps in our understanding of how motor units behave during dynamic, CPG-mediated activity. Using indwelling fine-wire electrodes, the study reveals that MUFRs are significantly higher during arm cycling compared to isometric contractions, pointing to distinct neural control strategies between these movement types. Tune in to explore the implications for motor control and rehabilitation science.

Investigating motor unit firing rates during arm cycling compared with intensity-matched isometric contractions in humans Daniel C. Basile, Alysha D. Wira, Charles L. Rice, and Kevin E. Power

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 134:1, 162-170

Alpha Rhythms and Occluded Motion in Natural Scenes

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:55:20 +0000

In this episode, coauthors Lu-Chun Yeh and Daniel Kaiser discuss their recently published Short Report, "Cortical alpha rhythms interpolate occluded motion from natural scene context." When objects or people become temporarily hidden from view, our brains rely on environmental cues to predict their motion. This study shows that cortical alpha oscillations play a key role in this process, tracking not only visible movement but also anticipating whether motion continues or stops based on obstacles in the scene. Tune in to learn how these brain rhythms help us fill in the blanks of dynamic, real-world perception.

Cortical alpha rhythms interpolate occluded motion from natural scene context Lu-Chun Yeh, Max Bardelang, and Daniel Kaiser

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:5, 1497-1502

Uncovering Perceptual Templates with Natural Statistics

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:39:25 +0000

In this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology’s podcast series, coauthor Lorenzo Landolfi joins us to discuss the newly published research titled "Reverse correlation of natural statistics for ecologically relevant characterization of human perceptual templates." Reverse correlation remains a cornerstone technique for probing neuronal and perceptual receptive fields, yet its application to naturalistic behavior is complicated by the complex structure of real-world stimuli. While advances in accounting for natural statistics have shown promise in neuronal studies, their relevance to human perception has remained uncertain—until now. Landolfi explains how these methods can be extended to psychophysical settings, the important caveats researchers must consider, and what the findings reveal about how we interpret our visual world.

Reverse correlation of natural statistics for ecologically relevant characterization of human perceptual templates Lorenzo Landolfi and Peter Neri

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:6, 1717-1739

H-Reflex as a Biomarker: Insights from ALS Research

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:31:47 +0000

In this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology’s podcast series, coauthor Véronique Marchand-Pauvert discusses key findings from the team's published study, "Synaptic dynamics linked to widespread elevation of H-reflex before peripheral denervation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis." The episode explores how an increased H-reflex—observed even without clear evidence of peripheral denervation—may reflect early synaptic changes in ALS. Marchand-Pauvert explains how this phenomenon appears widespread across different onset sites and may result from reduced inhibitory control over Ia afferent-motoneuron transmission. While its association with exaggerated reflexes and spasticity may limit diagnostic specificity, the H-reflex’s measurable nature makes it a promising biomarker in ALS clinical trials.

Synaptic dynamics linked to widespread elevation of H-reflex before peripheral denervation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Sina Sangari, Alexandra Lackmy-Vallee, Arnaud Preuilh, Iseline Peyre, Pierre-François Pradat, and Véronique Marchand-Pauvert

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:5, 1541-1560

Uncovering a New Aβ Receptor: A Key to Controlling Neuronal Hyperactivity in Alzheimer’s Disease

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:05:22 +0000

In this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology's podcast series, we spotlight the research titled “Discovery of the Aβ receptor that controls the voltage-gated sodium channel activity: unraveling mechanisms underlying neuronal hyperexcitability.”

Alzheimer’s disease is well known for memory loss and cognitive decline—but behind these symptoms lies a web of complex neuronal dysfunction. This study reveals that amyloid beta peptides (Aβs), known to enhance sodium channel activity and drive hyperexcitability, exert their effects via an unexpected molecular player: the type I taste receptor, T1R2/T1R3.

Using advanced patch-clamp techniques, the researchers identified this novel Aβ receptor, opening a promising new path for therapeutic intervention. By targeting this receptor, future treatments may be able to reduce Aβ-induced hyperactivity and slow AD progression.

Discovery of the Aβ receptor that controls the voltage-gated sodium channel activity: unraveling mechanisms underlying neuronal hyperexcitability Mitsuyoshi Luke Saito, Tsutomu Sasaki, and Mariko Ruth Saito

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:6, 1861-1885

How Visual Feedback Shapes Muscle Control: Insights from Potentiation Research

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 13:44:57 +0000

In this episode, lead author Alexander M. Zero highlights their newly published research, “Without visual feedback voluntary torque is overestimated during muscle potentiation despite similar motor unit firing rate and perception of exertion.”

Alexander Zero breaks down their findings on how visual feedback — or the lack of it — influences voluntary torque control during muscle potentiation. Despite changes in muscle state, the study reveals that motor unit firing rates and perceived exertion remain consistent without visual cues. This suggests that the nervous system adjusts motor output not through peripheral feedback, but through central mechanisms influenced by perception.

Tune in for a fascinating dive into neuromuscular physiology, the role of sensory feedback in motor control, and what these insights mean for athletic training, rehabilitation, and our broader understanding of voluntary movement.

Without visual feedback voluntary torque is overestimated during muscle potentiation despite similar motor unit firing rate and perception of exertion Alexander M. Zero and Charles L. Rice

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:3, 775-783

Exploring Angiogenesis and Cerebral Blood Flow in Early Alzheimer’s Disease

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:51:25 +0000

In this episode, coauthors Dr. Bing Xin Song and Dr. Krista L. Lanctôt give a snapshot of their recently published manuscript, "Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Early Alzheimer’s Disease." Building on past in vitro and in vivo studies, their work highlights a compelling link between angiogenesis and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Using a combination of neuroimaging and neurophysiology techniques, the study reveals a significant association between circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and regional CBF.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and regional cerebral blood flow in early Alzheimer’s disease Bing Xin Song, Guocheng Jiang, Melissa Wong, Damien Gallagher, Bradley J. MacIntosh, Ana C. Andreazza, Erika L. Beroncal, Sandra E. Black, Nathan Herrmann, Jocelyn Charles, Fuqiang Gao, Alex Kiss, Giovanni Marotta, and Krista L. Lanctôt

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:3, 924-929

Aging, Force, and Feedback: Rethinking Proprioception Through Motor Unit Insights

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:28:28 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Mélanie Henry highlights the findings of the newly published study, “Influence of Age and Feedback Modality on the Proprioceptive Sense of Force: Insights from Motor Unit Recordings.” She discusses how different types of feedback—auditory vs. visual—affect force-reproduction accuracy across age groups. Surprisingly, middle-aged and older adults performed better with auditory feedback, an improvement linked to increased motor unit coherence in the beta band. Tune in to explore how aging influences proprioception, how the brain adapts to different sensory inputs, and what this means for motor control and rehabilitation strategies.

Influence of age and feedback modality on the proprioceptive sense of force: insights from motor unit recordings Mélanie Henry, Abdulkerim Darendeli, Taylor Tvrdy, Sajjad Daneshgar, and Roger M. Enoka

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:4, 1103-1115

Unlocking the Spine: Exploring the Neurophysiology of Dry Needling

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:08:56 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Gretchen Seif discusses her recently published study, “Neurophysiological Effects of Latent Trigger Point Dry Needling on Spinal Reflexes.” Dive into the fascinating world of deep dry needling (DDN) as she highlights its impact on spinal reflexes in the triceps surae. Dr. Seif breaks down the study's key findings—including unchanged H reflex responses and increased soleus inhibition immediately and 72 hours post-DDN—along with the observed gains in ankle range of motion. Learn how these differential effects on excitatory and inhibitory reflexes reveal the complex spinal-level mechanisms of DDN and what it could mean for clinical practice.

Neurophysiological effects of latent trigger point dry needling on spinal reflexes Gretchen Seif, Alan M. Phipps, Joseph M. Donnelly, Blair H. S. Dellenbach, and Aiko K. Thompson

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 288-298

JNP Podcasts: Unlocking Insulin's Mechanism: Activation of Parasympathetic Hepatic Neurons via mTOR Signaling

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:49:29 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Karoline Martins dos Santos discusses the recently published research, "Insulin activates parasympathetic hepatic-related neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus through mTOR signaling." The study investigates the complex role of insulin in regulating hepatic glucose production, focusing on how insulin influences specific brain regions. While it's known that insulin reduces liver glucose production, the precise mechanisms and brain areas involved have remained unclear. Dr. Martins dos Santos explains how insulin activates parasympathetic hepatic-related neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVNhepatic) and how this process relies on mTOR signaling.

Insulin activates parasympathetic hepatic-related neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus through mTOR signaling Karoline Martins dos Santos, Sandy E. Saunders, Vagner R. Antunes, and Carie R. Boychuk

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 320-332

JNP Podcasts: Decoding Motor Control - Estimating Descending Activation in Fast and Slow Movements

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:30:32 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Lei Zhang explores the research titled "Estimating descending activation patterns from EMG in fast and slow movements using a model of the stretch reflex." Lei introduces a novel method that directly estimates descending activation from electromyographic (EMG) signals and arm kinematics by inverting a model of the spinal stretch reflex—without relying on muscle models or an arm dynamics model. This innovative approach uncovers how movement speed influences the time structure of descending activation, while also highlighting the crucial role of the spinal stretch reflex in movement generation.

Estimating descending activation patterns from EMG in fast and slow movements using a model of the stretch reflex Lei Zhang and Gregor Schöner

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 162-176

JNP Podcasts: The Power of Light Touch: How Fingertip Contact Modulates Balance and Vestibular Responses

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:12:19 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Megan Goar discusses the recently published research titled "Light touch alters vestibular-evoked balance responses: insights into dynamics of sensorimotor reweighting." The research uncovers how minimal fingertip contact (light touch) during balance tasks can reduce the impact of electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) on body sway. Not only does this touch alter sway magnitude, but it also reveals a high-frequency center of pressure element, tied to vestibular inputs, that is typically unseen in free-standing postures. Ms. Goar explains how these findings highlight the central nervous system’s remarkable ability to adaptively reweight sensorimotor processes to optimize balance control.

Light touch alters vestibular-evoked balance responses: insights into dynamics of sensorimotor reweighting Megan H. Goar, Michael Barnett-Cowan, and Brian C. Horslen

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 142-161

JNP Podcasts: Improving localization and measurements of M-waves using high-density surface electromyography

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:57:03 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Ernesto Bedoy discusses their recently published research, "Improving Localization and Measurements of M-Waves Using High-Density Surface Electromyography." The study presents an innovative approach to enhancing the measurement of evoked potentials through high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG). By incorporating spatial filters and ultrasound imaging, the research significantly improves the precision and localization of evoked potentials, providing a more accurate method for assessing motor pathway integrity. These advancements hold promise for developing better tools to detect and treat neurological deficits, offering a significant contribution to the field of neurophysiological research.

Improving localization and measurements of M-waves using high-density surface electromyography Ernesto H. Bedoy, Efrain A. Guirola Diaz, Ashley N. Dalrymple, Isaiah Levy, Thomas Hyatt, Darcy M. Griffin, George F. Wittenberg, and Douglas J. Weber

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 299-309

JNP Podcasts: Hypercapnia elicits changes in diaphragm neuromotor control

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:34:51 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Obaid U. Khurram discusses their recently published research, "Hypercapnia Impacts Neural Drive and Timing of Diaphragm Neuromotor Control." The study explores the complex neuromotor control of the diaphragm muscle (DIAm) under hypercapnic conditions, an area that has not been fully understood. Dr. Khurram explains how hypercapnia increases motor unit recruitment and discharge rates, indicating an enhanced respiratory drive. The research also reveals how hypercapnia affects the postinspiratory (descending) ramp of diaphragm EMG activity, shortening it to facilitate faster respiratory rates. Tune in for valuable insights into the physiological mechanisms of diaphragm function and adaptation in response to elevated carbon dioxide levels.

Hypercapnia impacts neural drive and timing of diaphragm neuromotor control Obaid U. Khurram, Maximilian J. Kantor-Gerber, Carlos B. Mantilla, and Gary C. Sieck

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:6, 1966-1976

JNP Micro Podcasts: Flexion reflexes during transspinal stimulation

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:20:53 +0000

In this episode, coauthors Maria Knikou and Abdullah M. Sayed Ahmad discuss their research on "Transspinal stimulation downregulates flexion reflex pathways during walking in healthy humans." The study investigates how transspinal stimulation over the thoracolumbar region affects reflex pathways during walking, revealing its ability to suppress the tibialis anterior flexion reflex at varying frequencies (15, 30, and 50 Hz).

Transspinal stimulation downregulates flexion reflex pathways during walking in healthy humans Maria Knikou and Abdullah M. Sayed Ahmad

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:2, 530-538

JNP Micro Podcasts: Impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on axonal function in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:56:02 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Arun V. Krishnan highlights the article titled "Impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on axonal function in diabetic peripheral neuropathy." Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is known to be relentlessly progressive and irreversible. Prospective studies in 24 participants with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) demonstrated improvements in clinical neuropathy scores, nerve conduction studies, and axonal excitability recordings. Analysis of axonal excitability recordings revealed the mechanism for GLP-1RA improvement in DPN were changed consistent with improvements in Na+/K+–ATPase pump function, and this was supported by mathematical modeling.

Impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on axonal function in diabetic peripheral neuropathy Roshan Dhanapalaratnam, Tushar Issar, Ann M. Poynten, Kerry-Lee Milner, Natalie C. G. Kwai, and Arun V. Krishnan

Journal of Neurophysiology 2025 133:1, 14-21

JNP Micro Podcasts: Uncovering Balance Control from Foot Force

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:19:08 +0000

Join coauthors Rika Dimitrova and Kaymie Shiozawa in this podcast where they dive deep into their research on human balance control. In this episode, they explore the insights of three papers: "Frequency-domain patterns in foot-force line-of-action: an emergent property of standing balance control," "Human foot force suggests different balance control between younger and older adults," and "Human foot force informs balance control strategies when standing on a narrow beam."

Their work uncovers a novel, closed-form analytical result that links the frequency-domain patterns of foot force to the body’s neuromotor control during quiet standing. The podcast delves into the complexities of balance control in different age groups, demonstrating how older adults adapt their balance strategies to compensate for muscle weakness, relying more on neural feedback. With a focus on foot-ground force interactions, the duo breaks down how these findings can provide a new balance assessment tool, highlighting its significance in both research and real-world applications.

Additionally, Dr. Sugimoto-Dimitrova and Dr. Shiozawa discuss the challenges of maintaining balance in more demanding conditions—such as standing on a narrow beam—and explore how biomechanics and neural control work together to stabilize the body.

Frequency-domain patterns in foot-force line-of-action: an emergent property of standing balance control Rika Sugimoto-Dimitrova, Kaymie Shiozawa, Kreg G. Gruben, and Neville Hogan

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:5, 1445-1456

Human foot force suggests different balance control between younger and older adults Kaymie Shiozawa, Rika Sugimoto-Dimitrova, Kreg G. Gruben, and Neville Hogan

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:5, 1457-1469

Human foot force informs balance control strategies when standing on a narrow beam Kaymie Shiozawa, Marta Russo, Jongwoo Lee, Neville Hogan, and Dagmar Sternad

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:4, 1302-1314

JNP Micro Podcasts: Exploring Amiloride's Impact on Baroreflex Sensitivity and Blood Pressure Variability in Healthy Young Adults

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:26:13 +0000

In this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology's Podcast Series, coauthor Igor A. Fernandes discusses the research titled "Does a Single Oral Administration of Amiloride Affect Spontaneous Arterial Baroreflex Sensitivity and Blood Pressure Variability in Healthy Young Adults?" This study builds on preclinical models that suggest amiloride (AMD), a nonselective antagonist of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), may impair baroreflex sensitivity and disrupt blood pressure regulation. Igor explains how the research team translated these findings to human subjects, investigating the effects of acute oral ingestion of AMD on blood pressure variability and baroreflex sensitivity in healthy young adults. Surprisingly, the study found that, contrary to preclinical evidence, AMD did not impair spontaneous arterial baroreflex sensitivity or blood pressure variability in humans. Tune in to explore the implications of these findings for understanding blood pressure regulation and the role of ASICs in humans. Does a single oral administration of amiloride affect spontaneous arterial baroreflex sensitivity and blood pressure variability in healthy young adults? Igor A. Fernandes, Jon Stavres, Takuto Hamaoka, Qudus A. Ojikutu, Jeann L. Sabino-Carvalho, Lauro C. Vianna, J. Carter Luck, Cheryl Blaha, Aimee E. Cauffman, Paul C. Dalton, Michael D. Herr, Victor Ruiz-Velasco, Zyad J. Carr, Piotr K. Janicki, and Jian Cui Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:3, 922-928

JNP Micro Podcasts: Enhancing Balance: How Ballet Practice Boosts Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Responses to Slips in Older Adults

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:22:52 +0000

In this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology's Podcast Series, coauthor Caroline Simpkins discusses the research titled "Ballet Practice Improves Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Responses to an Unexpected Standing-Slip in Older Adults." This study is the first to examine how older ballet dancers respond to an unexpected external slip while standing. Caroline shares fascinating findings that reveal how older ballet dancers have a reduced fall risk compared to their nondancer peers. This improved stability is attributed to quicker neuromuscular reactions, allowing dancers to execute a more effective recovery step and maintain greater balance against backward falls. Tune in to learn how ballet practice can enhance balance and reduce fall risk in older adults. Ballet practice improves neuromuscular and biomechanical responses to an unexpected standing-slip in older adults Caroline Simpkins and Feng Yang Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:4, 1115-1125

JNP Micro Podcasts: Reflex interactions on action potential subpopulations

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:41:33 +0000

In this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology's Podcast Series, coauthor Natasha G. Boyes delves into her recently published research, "Interaction of Simultaneous Hypoxia and Baroreflex Loading on Control of Sympathetic Action Potential Subpopulations." This study explores the complex interaction between baroreflex loading and peripheral chemoreflex activation in regulating the sympathetic nervous system. Dr. Boyes explains how chemoreflex activation buffers baroreflex-induced reductions in sympathetic activity and reveals that baroreflex loading significantly alters sympathetic action potential clusters, even in the presence of chemoreflex signals. Tune in to hear how this research provides new insights into the dominant role of the arterial baroreflex in controlling medium-sized sympathetic neurons amidst competing stressors. Interaction of simultaneous hypoxia and baroreflex loading on control of sympathetic action potential subpopulations Natasha G. Boyes, Stephen A. Klassen, Sarah E. Baker, Wayne T. Nicholson, Michael J. Joyner, J. Kevin Shoemaker, and Jacqueline K. Limberg Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:3, 1087-1097

JNP Micro Podcasts: Bidirectional Generative Adversarial Representation Learning for Natural Stimulus Synthesis

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:55:27 +0000

In this episode, coauthors Andriy S. Kozlov, Johnny Reilly, and John D. Goodwin discuss their recently published research titled "Bidirectional Generative Adversarial Representation Learning for Natural Stimulus Synthesis." The authors introduce a groundbreaking artificial neural network that generates animal vocalization waveforms and interpolates between them to create new, realistic vocalizations. The team shares how their synthetic stimuli drive auditory cortical neurons in mice just as effectively as natural vocalizations, producing receptive field features with equal predictive power. Tune in as Andriy, Johnny, and John explain the significance of their findings and the potential implications of this innovative technology for sensory neuroscience.

Bidirectional generative adversarial representation learning for natural stimulus synthesis Johnny Reilly, John D. Goodwin, Sihao Lu, and Andriy S. Kozlov

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:4, 1156-1169

JNP Micro Podcasts: Locomotor Learning in Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:38:31 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Jonathan M. Wood provides an in-depth overview of the recently published research titled "Explicit and Implicit Locomotor Learning in Individuals with Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke." The study explores how motor learning, which involves both implicit and explicit processes, is affected in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. These two types of learning, which typically work together in daily life and rehabilitation, may be disrupted after a stroke. Using a locomotor task designed to isolate contributions from both processes, alongside computational modeling, the research reveals that chronic stroke leads to deficits in both explicit and implicit locomotor learning. Join Jonathan as he discusses the findings and their implications for understanding motor recovery post-stroke. Explicit and implicit locomotor learning in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke Jonathan M. Wood, Elizabeth Thompson, Henry Wright, Liam Festa, Susanne M. Morton, Darcy S. Reisman, and Hyosub E. Kim Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:4, 1172-1182

JNP Micro Podcasts: Saccadic Suppression of Color and Luminance

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:17:59 +0000

In this JNP MicroPodcast, Yuan Zhang highlights the recently published research titled "The Execution of Saccadic Eye Movements Suppresses Visual Processing of Both Color and Luminance in the Early Visual Cortex of Humans." The study reveals how saccadic eye movements—rapid shifts in eye position—suppress the processing of both luminance and chromatic stimuli in the early visual cortex. Yuan breaks down how the research uses a contrast response model to show that saccades reduce response gain, rather than altering contrast gain, pointing to a multiplicative mechanism that affects both the parvocellular and magnocellular pathways. Tune in for a concise overview of these intriguing findings and their implications for visual processing.

The execution of saccadic eye movements suppresses visual processing of both color and luminance in the early visual cortex of humans Yuan Zhang, Matteo Valsecchi, Karl R. Gegenfurtner, and Jing Chen

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 131:6, 1156-1167

JNP Micro Podcasts: Electroacupuncture and heart rate: autonomic nervous system

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:25:25 +0000

In this episode of the JNP Micro Podcast series, coauthor Yiwei D. Gong sheds light on their Editorial Focus regarding the research titled "Dorsomedial Hypothalamus-Raphe Pallidus-Cardiac Sympathetic Pathway Mediates Electroacupuncture Intervention of Stress-Induced Tachycardia" by Wang et al. This important study addresses the management of chronic stress—an area with significant treatment gaps that can contribute to tachycardia. Yiwei discusses how lifestyle therapies like meditation, physical activity, and neurostimulation through electroacupuncture can help manage prodromal symptoms and reduce elevated sympathetic tone. By confirming the effects of electroacupuncture on heart rate in humans, this research holds potential clinical relevance for preventing chronic tachycardia, which could ultimately impact conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy.

Does electroacupuncture reducing heart rate rebalance autonomic nervous system? Stephanie C. Tjen-A-Looi, Yiwei D. Gong, and Shaista Malik

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 131:5, 945-947

JNP Micro Podcasts: Working memory constraints for visuomotor retrieval strategies

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 20:33:51 +0000

Join coauthor Carlos A. Velázquez-Vargas in this insightful episode as he delves into the research titled "Working Memory Constraints for Visuomotor Retrieval Strategies." Discover how humans adapt to feedback perturbations in various visuomotor rotation tasks by tapping into their working memory for successful solutions. Carlos explains the use of a Bayesian latent-mixture model to uncover the impact of guessing and low-precision memories on performance as the number of memorized solutions increases. Tune in to learn how extended practice can help overcome these constraints by enhancing long-term memory retrieval, paving the way for improved visuomotor skills.

Working memory constraints for visuomotor retrieval strategies Carlos A. Velázquez-Vargas and Jordan A. Taylor

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:2, 347-361

JNP Micro Podcasts: Striatopallidal synaptic currents

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 12:05:53 +0000

In this episode, coauthor James A. Jones dives into the study titled "Comparison of unitary synaptic currents generated by indirect and direct pathway neurons of the mouse striatum." This research is notable as it’s the first to examine synaptic currents from single identified direct and indirect pathway striatal neurons targeting individual globus pallidus externus (GPe) neurons.

Jones highlights how each GPe neuron integrates inputs from both pathways, revealing that while most striatal neurons generate relatively small synaptic currents, a subset is powerful enough to make a significant impact on GPe activity. This finding underscores the collective influence of striatal neurons and raises intriguing questions about the dynamics of synaptic transmission in basal ganglia circuits. The implications for understanding movement and behavioral control are profound, making this study a crucial addition to the field.

Article Citation:

Comparison of unitary synaptic currents generated by indirect and direct pathway neurons of the mouse striatum James A. Jones, Jacob Peña, Rostislav I. Likhotvorik, Brandon I. Garcia-Castañeda, and Charles J. Wilson

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 131:5, 914-936

JNP Micro Podcasts: Beadex is required in Neurons

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 19:04:12 +0000

In this podcast coauthor Kripa Chitre discusses the recently published article titled "Beadex, the Drosophila LIM only protein, is required for the growth of the larval neuromuscular junction." A novel role for Beadex (Bx) regulates the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) structure and function in a tissue-specific manner. Bx is expressed in a subset of Toll-6-expressing neurons and is involved in regulating synaptic span and physiology, possibly through its negative interaction with Highwire (Hiw). The findings of this study provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying NMJ development and function and warrant further investigation to understand the role of Bx in these processes fully.

Article Citation: Beadex, the Drosophila LIM only protein, is required for the growth of the larval neuromuscular junction Kripa Chitre, Subhash Kairamkonda, Manish Kumar Dwivedi, Saumitra Yadav, Vimlesh Kumar, Sujit K. Sikdar, and Upendra Nongthomba

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:2, 418-432

JNP Micro Podcasts: Rejuvenating silicon probes for acute neurophysiology

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 12:02:44 +0000

In this podcast, coauthor Alden Shoup dives into the methods and resources outlined in their paper "Rejuvenating silicon probes for acute neurophysiology." Discover how they are tackling the issue of degraded probe performance and providing a solution to extend their lifespan.

Article Citation:

Rejuvenating silicon probes for acute neurophysiology Alden M. Shoup, Natasha Porwal, Mohammad Amin Fakharian, Paul Hage, Simon P. Orozco, and Reza Shadmehr

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:1, 308-315

JNP Micro Podcasts: The Multisensory and Multidimensional Nature of Object Representation

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:16:39 +0000

In this podcast, author Hellen Kyler delves into her mini-review article on the multisensory and multidimensional nature of object representation. Explore the fascinating findings from fMRI experiments and the impact of 2-D vs. 3-D objects on neural activation and behavior.

Article Citation:

The multisensory and multidimensional nature of object representation Hellen Kyler

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:1, 130-133

JNP Micro Podcast: Onion Skin or AHP firing scheme?

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 12:33:04 +0000

In this podcast, coauthor Mohamed H. Mousa highlights the newly published research titled "Onion skin is not a universal firing pattern for spinal motoneurons: simulation study." The study reports two contrasting schemes, namely the "onion skin" and the "AHP" regarding the relationship between MUs firing rates and recruitment order. Previous studies have examined these schemes phenomenologically, imposing one scheme on the firing-recruitment relationship. Here, the authors employed a high-fidelity computational model that prioritizes biological fidelity and heterogeneity to investigate motoneuron firing schemes without bias towards either scheme. Their objective findings offer an explanation for the longstanding dichotomy on MU firing patterns.

Article Citation:

Onion skin is not a universal firing pattern for spinal motoneurons: simulation study Mohamed H. Mousa, Nathan P. Wages, and Sherif M. Elbasiouny

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:1, 240-258

JNP Micro Podcast: Switching Neuron Contributions to Second Network

Thu, 23 May 2024 17:28:46 +0000

In this episode, coauthor Savanna-Rae H. Fahoum dives into her recent research, shedding light on "Switching Neuron Contributions to Second Network Activity" and "Neuropeptide Modulation of Bidirectional Internetwork Synapses." Collaborating with Dawn M. Blitz, they utilize rhythmic neuronal networks in crabs as a model to explore the complex interactions between these networks and neurons capable of switching their network participation. Their findings reveal that when a neuron transitions into dual-network activity, only the second network influences its activity within that context. Furthermore, while the switching neuron can effectively coordinate second network neurons and regulate their activity levels, it's not always indispensable, suggesting a nuanced regulation of switching neurons that challenges the traditional view of them merely as followers in additional networks.

Switching neuron contributions to second network activity Savanna-Rae H. Fahoum and Dawn M. Blitz

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 131:2, 417-434

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00149.2024

JNP Micro Podcast: Pontine Reticular Nuclei Scales with Handgrip Force

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:50:16 +0000

In this episode, Justin W. Andrushko discusses the recently published research titled "Activity in the pontine reticular nuclei scales with handgrip force in humans." In this study, the authors used a task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm to show that activity in the pontine reticular nuclei scales linearly with increasing force during a handgrip task. These findings directly support recently proposed hypotheses that the reticulospinal tract may play an important role in modulating force production in humans.

Article Citation:

Activity in the pontine reticular nuclei scales with handgrip force in humans Tyler L. Danielson, Layla A. Gould, Jason M. DeFreitas, Rob J. MacLennan, Chelsea Ekstrand, Ron Borowsky, Jonathan P. Farthing, and Justin W. Andrushko

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 131:5, 807-814

JNP Micro Podcasts: Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission in the Kölliker-Fuse of Rett Syndrome mice

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:01:16 +0000

In this episode of JNP's micro podcasts, Jessica R. Whitaker-Fornek of the University of Michigan Medical School discusses the recently published research titled "Inhibitory synaptic transmission is impaired in the Kölliker-Fuse of male, but not female, Rett syndrome mice."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Kölliker-Fuse (KF) neurons in acute brain slices from male Rett syndrome (RTT) mice receive reduced inhibitory synaptic inputs compared with wild-type littermates. In female RTT mice, inhibitory transmission was not different in KF neurons compared with controls. The results from this study show that sex-specific alterations in synaptic transmission occur in the KF of RTT mice.

Inhibitory synaptic transmission is impaired in the Kölliker-Fuse of male, but not female, Rett syndrome mice Jessica R. Whitaker-Fornek, Paul M. Jenkins, and Erica S. Levitt

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 130:6, 1578-1587

JNP Micro Podcasts: Game-based Rotational Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Adaptation

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:58:43 +0000

In this episode Mark F. Walker of Case Western Reserve University, discusses the recently published research titled "Short-term learning of the vestibulo-ocular reflex induced by a custom interactive computer game."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of a customized computer game to induce motor learning in the high-frequency rotational vestibulo-ocular reflex. It provides a physiological basis for the deployment of this technology to clinical vestibular rehabilitation.

Article Citation:

Short-term learning of the vestibulo-ocular reflex induced by a custom interactive computer game Qi Li, Honglu Xu, Weicong Chen, Andrew Su, Michael J. Fu, and Mark F. Walker

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 131:1, 16-27

JNP Micro Podcasts: Visual Strategy and Force-Steadiness in Older Adults

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 19:49:28 +0000

In this podcast Brittany Heintz Walters of Seattle University discusses the recently published research titled "Visual feedback and declines in attention are associated with altered visual strategy during a force-steadiness task in older adults."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study contributes novel findings of age-related changes in visual strategy and associations with attentional deficits during hand motor tasks. Older adults used fewer saccades than young adults and with higher versus lower gain visual feedback during a force-steadiness task. A subset of older adults used an altered visual strategy when allocating attention across multiple tasks. Given that this subset demonstrated attentional deficits, the altered visual strategy could serve to indicate motor and/or cognitive impairments.

Article Citation:

Visual feedback and declines in attention are associated with altered visual strategy during a force-steadiness task in older adults Brittany Heintz Walters, Wendy E. Huddleston, Kristian O’Connor, Jinsung Wang, Marie Hoeger Bement, and Kevin G. Keenan

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 130:5, 1309-1320

JNP Micro Podcasts: Aging and Subcortical Gray Matter Volume

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:25:02 +0000

In this podcast Dr. Peka Christova of The Neuroimaging Research Group, Brain Sciences Center discusses the recently published Short Report titled "Changes of gray matter volumes of subcortical regions across the lifespan: a Human Connectome Project study."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Christova et al. report mixed effects of age on subcortical grey matter volume (GMV) during lifespan (n = 2458, 5-90 yr old, 1113 male, 1345 female). Striatal and cerebellar GMVs decreased linearly with age, more steeply in males. In contrast, GMVs of the amygdala, pallidum, thalamus, ventral diencephalon, and brainstem changed in a quadratic fashion, increasing first and decreasing afterward, with males peaking earlier than females in all regions but the brainstem where they peaked at nearly the same time.

Article Citation:

Changes of gray matter volumes of subcortical regions across the lifespan: a Human Connectome Project study Peka Christova and Apostolos P. Georgopoulos

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 130:5, 1303-1308

JNP Micro Podcasts: Modulation of corticospinal excitability during vibration

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 19:10:06 +0000

In this episode, Lydiane Lauzier of Université du Québec à Chicoutimi discusses the recently published article “Variation of corticospinal excitability during kinesthetic illusion induced by musculotendinous vibration.”

New and Noteworthy:

The modulation of corticospinal excitability when perceiving a vibration (VIB)-induced kinesthetic illusion evolves dynamically over time. This modulation might be linked to the delayed occurrence and progressive increase in strength of the illusory perception in the first seconds after VIB start. Different spinal/cortical mechanisms could be at play during VIB, depending on the tested muscle, presence/absence of an illusion, and the specific timing at which corticospinal drive is tested pre/post VIB.

Article Citation:

Variation of corticospinal excitability during kinesthetic illusion induced by musculotendinous vibration

Lydiane Lauzier, Marie-Pier Perron, Laurence Munger, Émilie Bouchard, Jacques Abboud, François Nougarou, and Louis-David Beaulieu

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 130:5, 1118-1125

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Robust Aggregate Code of Competing Sounds in Auditory Cortex

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:55:03 +0000

In this podcast, author Jian Carlo Nocon (Boston University) discusses the recently published research titled "A robust and compact population code for competing sounds in auditory cortex."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Little is known about how populations of neurons within cortical circuits encode sensory stimuli in the presence of competing stimuli at other spatial locations. Here, the authors investigate this problem in auditory cortex using a recently proposed information-theoretic approach. They found a small subset of neurons nearly maximizes information about target sounds in the presence of competing maskers, approaching information levels for isolated stimuli, and provides a noise-robust code for sounds in a complex auditory scene.

Article Citation:

A robust and compact population code for competing sounds in auditory cortex

Jian Carlo Nocon, Jake Witter, Howard Gritton, Xue Han, Conor Houghton, and Kamal Sen

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 130:3, 775-787

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Essential Tremor accentuates upper limb coherence patterns

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:57:13 +0000

In this podcast coauthor Daniel Free of Brigham Young University talks about the recently published article titled “Essential tremor accentuates the pattern of tremor-band coherence between upper limb muscles.”

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This research characterized the relationships in tremor-band activity between the 15 major superficial upper limb muscles of persons with essential tremor by quantifying the proportion of shared activity (coherence) in the tremor band and by characterizing phase differences between these muscles during various tasks. From the authors observations, they conclude that tremor enhances the coherence between muscle pairs throughout the upper limb in a pattern that reflects functional relationship between them.

Article Citation:

Essential tremor accentuates the pattern of tremor-band coherence between upper limb muscles

Daniel B. Free, Ian Syndergaard, Adam C. Pigg, Silvia Muceli, Johanna Thompson-Westra, Karin Mente, Carine W. Maurer, Dietrich Haubenberger, Mark Hallett, Dario Farina, and Steven K. Charles

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 129:3, 524-540

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Task-dependent negotiations of bimanual coordination

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 18:28:10 +0000

In this podcast Nick Kitchen and Jisung Yuk of Pennsylvania State University discuss the recently published manuscript “Bilateral arm movements are coordinated via task-dependent negotiations between independent and codependent control, but not by a “coupling” control policy.”

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Minimization of performance and control costs and efferent coupling between bilaterally homologous muscle groups have been separately hypothesized to describe patterns of bimanual coordination. Here, we address whether the mechanisms mediating independent and codependent control between limbs can be weighted for successful task performance. Using bilaterally asymmetric visuomotor gain perturbations, we show bimanual coordination can be characterized as a negotiation along a spectrum between extremes of independent and codependent control, but not efferent control coupling.

Article Citation:

Bilateral arm movements are coordinated via task-dependent negotiations between independent and codependent control, but not by a “coupling” control policy

Nick M. Kitchen, Jisung Yuk, Andrzej Przybyla, Robert A. Scheidt, and Robert L. Sainburg

Journal of Neurophysiology

2023 130:3, 497-515

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Otolith-ocular reflex after ototoxicity & vestibular implant

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:43:14 +0000

Margaret Chow and Celia Fernandez Brillet of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine discuss the recently published manuscript titled "Binocular 3-D otolith-ocular reflexes: responses of chinchillas to natural and prosthetic stimulation after ototoxic injury and vestibular implantation."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Previous studies to expand the scope of prosthetic stimulation of the otolith end organs showed that selective stimulation of the utricle and saccule is possible. This article further defines those possibilities by characterizing a diseased animal model and subsequently studying its responses to electrical stimulation alone and in combination with mechanical motion. We show that we can partially restore responses to tilt and translation in animals with unilateral gentamicin ototoxic injury and contralateral surgical disruption.

Article Citation:

Binocular 3-D otolith-ocular reflexes: responses of chinchillas to natural and prosthetic stimulation after ototoxic injury and vestibular implantation

Margaret R. Chow, Celia Fernandez Brillet, Kristin N. Hageman, Dale C. Roberts, Andrianna I. Ayiotis, Razi M. Haque, and Charles C. Della Santina

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 129:5, 1157-1176

JNP Micro Podcasts: Acetylcholine receptor and persistent current

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 15:40:31 +0000

In this paper first author Kelly H. Lee, and Alex Prosserman, an expert in the field discuss the recently published article titled “Cholinergic depolarization recruits a persistent Ca2+ current in Aplysia bag cell neurons.”

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Ionotropic acetylcholine receptors mediate brief synaptic communication, including in bag cell neurons of the sea snail Aplysia. However, this study demonstrates that cholinergic depolarization can open a voltage-gated persistent Ca2+ current, which extends the bag cell neuron response to acetylcholine. Bursting in these neuroendocrine cells results in hormone release and egg laying. Thus, this emphasizes the role of ionotropic signaling in reaching a depolarized level to engage Ca2+ influx and perpetuating the activity necessary for behavior.

Article Citation:

Cholinergic depolarization recruits a persistent Ca2+ current in Aplysia bag cell neurons

Kelly H. Lee, David E. Wassef, Eammon K. MacNeil, and Neil S. Magoski

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 129:5, 1045-1060

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Elijah Haynes, Jennifer Jakobi, and Jayne Kalmar

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 18:34:02 +0000

In this podcast Dr. Elijah Haynes and Dr. Jennifer Jakobi of the University of British Columbia Okanagan, and Dr. Jayne Kalmar of the Wilfrid Laurier University discuss the recently published Systematic Review titled “A systematic review of how cannabinoids affect motoneuron output.” This scoping review involved the synthesis of evidence from literature published before August 2022 about the effects of cannabinoids on quantifiable measures of motoneuron output. It contributes to understanding the effects of endocannabinoids on synaptic integration at the motoneuron and modulation of motor output.

Article Citation:

A systematic review of how cannabinoids affect motoneuron output

Elijah M. K. Haynes, Jayne M. Kalmar, Mathew Vis-Dunbar, Kathryn M. Crosby, Angitha Mriduraj, and Jennifer M. Jakobi

Journal of Neurophysiology

2023 130:2, 247-263

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Alexander M. Zero

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:07:16 +0000

In this podcast co lead author Alexander M. Zero of The University of Western Ontario discusses the recently published research titled "Motor unit firing rates in young and very old adult males during an isokinetic fatiguing task and short-term recovery in the anconeus muscle."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Maximal motor unit firing rates were recorded during an isokinetic fatiguing protocol and short-term recovery in young and very old adult males. Prior studies were limited to isometric fatiguing tasks. Despite the old being ∼37% weaker and less fatigable, anconeus rates during elbow extension declined with fatigue and recovered similarly to young males. Therefore, it is unlikely that greater fatigue resistance of very old males during isokinetic contractions is related to differences in motor unit rates.

Article Citation:

Motor unit firing rates in young and very old adult males during an isokinetic fatiguing task and short-term recovery in the anconeus muscle Alexander M. Zero, Eric A. Kirk, Kevin J. Gilmore, and Charles L. Rice

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 130:1, 179-188

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Robert Kass

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 17:19:57 +0000

In this podcast Robert E. Kass of Carnegie Mellon University discusses the recently published review article titled "Identification of interacting neural populations: methods and statistical considerations."

Abstract: As improved recording technologies have created new opportunities for neurophysiological investigation, emphasis has shifted from individual neurons to multiple populations that form circuits, and it has become important to provide evidence of cross-population coordinated activity. We review various methods for doing so, placing them in six major categories while avoiding technical descriptions and instead focusing on high-level motivations and concerns. Our aim is to indicate what the methods can achieve and the circumstances under which they are likely to succeed. Toward this end, we include a discussion of four cross-cutting issues: the definition of neural populations, trial-to-trial variability and Poisson-like noise, time-varying dynamics, and causality.

Article Citation:

Identification of interacting neural populations: methods and statistical considerations Robert E. Kass, Heejong Bong, Motolani Olarinre, Qi Xin, and Konrad N. Urban

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 130:3, 475-496

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Xiaoxuan Ren, Ilhan Bok, Adam Vareberg, and Aviad Hai

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:48:01 +0000

In this podcast Xiaoxuan Ren, Ilhan Bok, Adam Vareberg, and Prof. Aviad Hai of the University of Wisconsin-Madison discuss their recently published Innovative Methodology titled "Stimulation-mediated reverse engineering of silent neural networks."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We introduce a new concept for reverse engineering silent neuronal networks using a supervised learning algorithm combined with stimulation. We quantify the performance of the algorithm and the precision of deriving synaptic weights in inhibitory and excitatory subpopulations. We then show that stimulation enables deciphering connectivity of heterogeneous circuits fed with real electrode array recordings, which could extend in the future to deciphering connectivity in broad biological and artificial neural networks.

Article Citation:

Stimulation-mediated reverse engineering of silent neural networks Xiaoxuan Ren, Ilhan Bok, Adam Vareberg, and Aviad Hai

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 129:6, 1505-1514

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Apostolos P. Georgopoulos

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 20:41:12 +0000

In our latest podcast Prof. Apostolos P. Georgopoulos discusses recently published Short Report titled "Changes of cortical gray matter volume during development: a Human Connectome Project study."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We report mixed effects of age on cortical gray matter volume during development in a large sample of 649 participants studied in an identical manner (6–21 yr old, 299 males, 350 females). Volumes of 30/35 cortical areas decreased with age, temporal pole increased, and pericalcarine and hippocampal cortex (hippocampus, parahippocampal, and entorhinal) did not change. These findings were very similar in both sexes and provide a solid base for assessing region-specific cortical changes during development.

Article Citation:

Changes of cortical gray matter volume during development: a Human Connectome Project study Peka Christova and Apostolos P. Georgopoulos

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 130:1, 117-122

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Todd P. Silverstein

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 18:02:07 +0000

In this podcast Dr. Todd Silverstein of Willamette University discusses his recently published review titled "Lee’s “Transmembrane Electrostatically-Localized Proton” model does NOT offer a better understanding of neuronal transmembrane potentials."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this manuscript I critique a 2020 J. Neurophysiol. paper by James W. Lee. His TELP hypothesis 1) mispredicts the resting neuron’s excess of external chloride; 2) predicts the preponderance of surface H+ over Na+ using ΔG° rather than ΔG; 3) mispredicts the dependence of the neuronal resting potential on external [Na+], [K+], and [Cl−]; 4) neither cites experimental results nor proposes experiments to test his hypothesis; and 5) presents a problematic characterization of the purpose of myelin.

Article Citation:

Lee’s “Transmembrane Electrostatically-Localized Proton” model does NOT offer a better understanding of neuronal transmembrane potentials Todd P. Silverstein

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 130:1, 123-127

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Mitchell Adrien St. Pierre and Minoru Shinohara

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:10:55 +0000

In this micro podcast Mitchell Adrien St. Pierre and Minoru Shinohara of the Georgia Institute of Technology discuss their recently published manuscript "Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation at nonspecific timings during training can compromise motor adaptation in healthy humans."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Adding vagus nerve stimulation via implanted electrodes during motor training can facilitate motor recovery in disabled animals and humans. No study examined the effect of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) during training on neuromotor adaptation in healthy humans. We have found that adding tVNS at nonspecific timings during motor skill training can compromise motor adaptation but not transfer in healthy humans.

Article Citation:

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation at nonspecific timings during training can compromise motor adaptation in healthy humans Mitchell Adrien St. Pierre and Minoru Shinohara

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 130:1, 212-223

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Tea Lulic-Kuryllo and David B. Lipps

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:14:18 +0000

In this micro podcast Dr. Tea Lulic-Kuryllo and Dr. David Lipps of the University of Michigan discuss their recently published research titled "Assessing shoulder muscle stretch reflexes following breast cancer treatment and postmastectomy breast reconstruction."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Shoulder muscle stretch reflexes may be impacted following postmastectomy breast reconstruction and chemoradiation. Here, we examined short- and long-latency shoulder muscle stretch reflexes in two experiments following common breast reconstruction procedures and chemoradiation. We show impairments in pectoralis major stretch reflexes following postmastectomy breast reconstruction and pectoralis major and deltoid muscle stretch reflexes following chemoradiation. These findings indicate that breast cancer treatments alter the regulation of shoulder muscle stretch reflexes.

Citation

Assessing shoulder muscle stretch reflexes following breast cancer treatment and postmastectomy breast reconstruction Tea Lulic-Kuryllo, Joshua M. Leonardis, Adeyiza O. Momoh, and David B. Lipps

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 129:4, 914-926

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Aiko Thompson and Alan Phipps

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:52:09 +0000

In this podcast Aiko Thompson and Alan Phipps of the Medical University of South Carolina talk about their recently published manuscript titled "Altered cutaneous reflexes to non-noxious stimuli in the triceps surae of people with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury"

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study examined modulation of the triceps surae cutaneous reflexes during standing and walking and the relationship between cutaneous and H-reflexes in people with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). In people with SCI, the normal task-dependent, nerve-specific modulation of triceps cutaneous reflexes was missing. Cutaneous and H-reflexes were not correlated. Together with other spinal reflexes, cutaneous reflexes may serve as important biomarkers for the state of spinal interneuronal pathways.

Citation

Altered cutaneous reflexes to non-noxious stimuli in the triceps surae of people with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury Alan M. Phipps and Aiko K. Thompson

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 129:3, 513-523

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Johannes Keyser, and Leonie Oostwoud Wijdenes

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:49:31 +0000

In this podcast Johannes Keyser (Justus Liebig University Giessen) and Leonie Oostwoud Wijdenes (Radboud University Nijmegen) talk about their recently published research "Late integration of vision and proprioception during perturbed reaches."

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Both visual and proprioceptive signals provide information about arm state during reaching. By perturbing the perceived, but not the actual, position of the hand in both modalities using visual disturbances and muscle vibration, we examined multimodal integration and state estimation during reaching. Our results suggest that the early reach corrections are based on separate state estimates from the two sensory modalities and only later are based on a combined state estimate.

Citation:

Late integration of vision and proprioception during perturbed reaches Johannes Keyser, W. Pieter Medendorp, Leonie Oostwoud Wijdenes, and Luc P. J. Selen

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 129:6, 1282-1292

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Adalee J. Lube, and Bruce A. Carlson

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 18:05:42 +0000

Adalee J. Lube and Bruce Carlson of Washington University in St. Louis discuss their recently published manuscript "Spike timing-dependent plasticity alters electrosensory neuron synaptic strength in vitro but does not consistently predict changes in sensory tuning in vivo" in our newest micro podcast series.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We replicated behaviorally relevant temporal patterns of synaptic activity in vitro and used the same patterns during sensory stimulation in vivo. There was a Hebbian spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) pattern in vitro, but sensory responses in vivo did not shift according to STDP predictions. Analysis suggests that this disparity is influenced by differences in polysynaptic activity, including inhibitory interneurons. These results suggest that STDP rules at synapses in vitro do not necessarily apply to circuits in vivo.

Citation:

Spike timing-dependent plasticity alters electrosensory neuron synaptic strength in vitro but does not consistently predict changes in sensory tuning in vivo

Adalee J. Lube, Xiaofeng Ma, and Bruce A. Carlson

Journal of Neurophysiology 2023 129:5, 1127-1144

JNP Micro Podcasts ”Four Questions”: Jan-Marino (Nino) Ramirez and Nicholas J. Burgraff

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 17:32:31 +0000

Listen to our new micro podcast series where authors, Nicholas J. Burgraff and Jan-Marino (Nino) Ramirez of the Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute discuss their recently published research "Inspiratory rhythm generation is stabilized by Ih".

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The Cortical Evoked Potential Corresponds with Deep Brain Stimulation Efficacy in Rats

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 18:38:01 +0000

In this podcast senior author Prof. Warren Grill of Duke University discusses his published manuscript "The cortical evoked potential corresponds with deep brain stimulation efficacy in rats" with Editor in Chief Prof. Nino Ramirez. In this paper the authors characterize a new potential biomarker for deep brain stimulation (DBS), the cortical evoked potential (cEP), and demonstrate that it exhibits a robust correlation with motor behaviors as a function of stimulation frequency. The cEP may thus be a useful clinical biomarker for changes in motor behavior. This work also provides insight into the cortical mechanisms of DBS, suggesting that motor behaviors are strongly affected by the rate of antidromic spike failure during DBS.

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How Functional brain states impinge on the fundamental functional organization of the brain in health and disease

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 18:30:18 +0000

In this podcast authors Prof. Albrecht Stroh of the University Medical Center and Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research in Mainz and Dr. Miriam Schwalm of Massachusetts Institute of Technology discuss their recently published manuscript Functional States Shape the Spatiotemporal Representation of Local and Cortex-wide Neural Activity in Mouse Sensory Cortex with Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Nino Ramirez. The authors work, which was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Washington, compares the cortical representation of two distinct functional states, based on optical and electrophysiological signals, locally recorded in the primary visual and somatosensory area, and wide-field camera imaging of the entire mouse cortex. The authors examined intrinsic and stimulus-evoked neuronal activity under both states and show state-dependent signal propagation modes. As different types of anesthesia as well as different behavioral states show characteristics similar to the two states the authors described, these experiments serve as a model for cortical information processing and explain response variability of neural networks under seemingly constant conditions, which is relevant for a variety of neurophysiological studies.

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Covid shows us the importance of smell in cognitive health

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 18:12:26 +0000

In this podcast, Prof. Leslie Kay of The University of Chicago and Associate Editor for the Journal of Neurophysiology discusses her review article “COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction: a looming wave of dementia?” with Editor in Chief Prof. Nino Ramirez. We find ourselves in the middle of a global “experiment” on the mechanisms of dementia and the relationship between our sense of smell and our ability to think. In many diseases that end in dementia, one of the early signs is olfactory dysfunction, often associated with degeneration in the olfactory bulb. More than 15 million people worldwide experience persistent COVID-19 olfactory changes, possibly caused by olfactory bulb damage. These data suggest a wave of post-COVID dementia in the coming decades, similar to the type of dementia seen in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. We can seize this gruesome opportunity to understand the involvement of the olfactory system in cognitive health. This will require intense study and increased resources to find treatments for smell dysfunction.

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The effects of reward on sequential motor behavior

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:12:51 +0000

In this podcast, senior author Dr. Joseph Galea of the University of Birmingham discusses his recently published manuscript "The dissociable effects of reward on sequential motor behavior" with Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Nino Ramirez. Joseph M. Galea, et al.'s research provides a mechanistic framework for how reward influences motor behavior. Specifically, the authors show that instantaneous improvements in speed and accuracy are driven by reward presented in the form of money, while knowledge of performance through performance feedback leads to training-based improvements. Importantly, combining both maximized performance gains and led to improvements in movement quality through fusion, which describes an optimization process during which sequential movements blend into a single action. Take a listen today!

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Self-Organization of Spinal Monosynaptic and Interneuronal Circuitry

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 16:08:24 +0000

In this podcast coauthors Dr. Jonas M.D. Enander of Lund University and Dr. Gerald E. Loeb of the University of Southern California discuss their companion papers titled “A Model for Self-Organization of Sensorimotor Function: The Spinal Monosynaptic Loop" and "Spinal Interneuronal Integration” with Editor in Chief Prof. Nino Ramirez. In the first paper the authors present a model of a simple but biologically realistic musculoskeletal system with spindle primary afferents that become selectively connected to homonymous beta motoneurons as a result of Hebbian adaptation. The second paper models a later stage of spinal cord development in which populations of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons similarly develop patterned connectivity involving a complete set of somatosensory afferents, motoneurons and each other. Without any a priori defined connectivity or organization, Hebbian learning driven by spontaneous, fetal-like motor activity results in the emergence of well-functioning spinal circuits whose connectivity patterns resemble those observed in the adult mammalian spinal cord. The authors suggest that genetic transcriptomes that appear during development may specify phases and rules for adaptive development rather than muscle-specific wiring patterns. The emergent behavior of their model system has important implications for the evolution of new species and potential applications for bio-inspired robots.

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Sensitivity to change in heartbeats as interoceptive ability

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 22:16:34 +0000

What is the nature of autonomic signals and how do they shape introception? This study presents a new method for evaluating cardiac interoceptive ability, measuring sensitivity to naturalistic changes in the number of heartbeats over time periods. The results of this research show participants have an overall tendency towards sensing fewer heartbeats during higher heart rates. This likely reflects the influence of changing heartbeat strength on cardiac interoception at rest, which should be taken into account when evaluating cardiac interoceptive ability and its relationship to anxiety and psychosomatic conditions. Take a listen to this podcast as Dr. Sarah Garfinkel of the University College London discusses the recently published research “Sensitivity to changes in rate of heartbeats as a measure of interoceptive ability” with Editor-in-Chief Professor Nino Ramirez.

Dennis E. O. Larsson, Giulia Esposito, Hugo D. Critchley, Zoltan Dienes, and Sarah N. Garfinkel

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Oscillatory entrainment mechanisms and anticipatory predictive processes in children with autism spectrum disorder

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 18:06:26 +0000

In this podcast the authors Dr. Shlomit Beker and Dr. Sophie Molholm of Albert Einstein College of Medicine discuss their recently published manuscript titled “Oscillatory entrainment mechanisms and anticipatory predictive processes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)” with Editor-in-Chief Prof. Jan-Marino (Nino) Ramirez. In their paper they, along with co-author John Foxe, used EEG and behavior to index predictive processes in children with ASD. A condition in which an auditory target was cued by a rhythmically predictable sequence of visual stimuli was compared to a condition in which the visual cues were absent. Neurophysiological measures of predictive processing, namely preparatory activity and neural entrainment were impaired in the ASD group, whereas behavioral measures of predictive processing were intact. When sensory events are presented in a predictable temporal pattern, performance and neuronal responses in ASD may be governed more by the occurrence of the events themselves and less by their anticipated timing. Listen today!

Check out the article here: https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00329.2021

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Forms of explanation and understanding for neuroscience and artificial intelligence

Tue, 31 May 2022 19:30:37 +0000

In this podcast author Dr. Jessica Thompson of the University of Oxford discusses her recently published manuscript titled "Forms of explanation and understanding for neuroscience and artificial intelligence" with Editor-in-Chief Prof. Jan-Marino (Nino) Ramirez and Associate Editor Dr. John W. Krakauer. Much of the controversy evoked by the use of deep neural networks as models of biological neural systems amount to debates over what constitutes scientific progress in neuroscience. In order to discuss what constitutes scientific progress, one must have a goal in mind (progress towards what?). One such long term goal is to produce scientific explanations of intelligent capacities (e.g., object recognition, relational reasoning). I argue that the most pressing philosophical questions at the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence are ultimately concerned with defining the phenomena to be explained and with what constitute valid explanations of such phenomena. I propose that a foundation in the philosophy of scientific explanation and understanding can scaffold future discussions about how an integrated science of intelligence might progress. Towards this vision, I review relevant theories of scientific explanation and discuss strategies for unifying the scientific goals of neuroscience and AI.

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00195.2021

Temporal Differences between Load and Movement Signal Integration in the Sensorimotor Network of an Insect Leg

Fri, 06 May 2022 14:28:41 +0000

Listen as coauthors Dr. Corinna Gebehart and Prof. Ansgar Büschges of the University of Cologne talk about their recently published manuscript "Temporal Differences between Load and Movement Signal Integration in the Sensorimotor Network of an Insect Leg" with Editor-in-Chief Prof. Jan-Marino (Nino) Ramirez. In this podcast the authors discuss temporal differences in the processing of two distinct sensory modalities generated by the sensorimotor network and affecting motor output. The authors found that the reported temporal differences in sensory processing and signal integration improve our understanding of sensory network computation and function in motor control.

Corinna Gebehart, Ansgar Büschges

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00399.2021

JNP Discusses Experimental Biology 2022 with the Central Nervous System Section

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:17:34 +0000

In our latest podcast Prof. Nino Ramirez discusses Experimental Biology 2022 with Central Nervous System section's, Dr. Janice Urban, Chair of the Steering Committee. Listen now to learn about what is coming up for CNS at Experimental Biology, along with new call for papers the journal will be launching after Experimental Biology. For more information on Experimental Biology 2022 please go to www.experimentalbiology.org . To learn more about the journal and section please go to www.physiology.org. If you are interested in submitting a manuscript and have questions, please email Jami Jones at jjones@physiology.org

New insights into how general anesthetics interfere with memory formation

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 17:14:12 +0000

What are the most important classes of anesthetics and their use? Do anesthetics affect GABA-A receptor expression or composition? In this podcast author Dr. Robert Pearce of the University of Wisconsin-Madison discusses these questions and more as he goes over his recent research titled “ Hippocampal β2-GABA-A receptors mediate LTP suppression by etomidate and contribute to long-lasting feedback but not feedforward inhibition of pyramidal neurons” with Editor-in-Chief Prof. Nino Ramirez. Etomidate exerts its anesthetic actions through GABA-A receptors. But exactly how does this prevent memories from being formed? Here, using a hippocampal brain slice model, Dr. Pearce and his colleagues showed that GABA-A receptors that incorporate the β2 subunit are essential to LTP suppression by etomidate. They also showed that although these receptors are found primarily on interneurons, β2-GABA-A receptors on pyramidal neurons do contribute to long-lasting inhibition, through feedback, but not feedforward, circuits. Their results have direct implications for understanding how anesthetics block memory formation, and also more generally how inhibitory circuits control learning and memory.

Alexander G. Figueroa, Claudia Benkwitz, Gabe Surges, Nicholas Kunz, Gregg E. Homanics, and Robert A. Pearce

Hippocampal β2-GABAA receptors mediate LTP suppression by etomidate and contribute to long-lasting feedback but not feedforward inhibition of pyramidal neurons

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00303.2021

The orchestration of the sympathetic response

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 17:44:03 +0000

Most of us have heard about the Flight and Fight response and the activation of the sympathetic system. But, what is often overlooked is the sheer complexity of sympathetic activation as it differentially and specifically modulates different organ systems. Different stressors activate and inhibit specific target organs, including specific muscle groups. Understanding the mechanisms how the central and peripheral nervous system interacts to control such a highly differentiated sympathetic response is challenging and we are just beginning to get a first taste of this fascinating task that our nervous system accomplishes without us being aware of it. Given the complexity of sympathetic control it should not be surprising that it can also fail and become a source of dysautonomia and other disorders. In this podcast, senior author Professor Philip Millar of the University of Guelph discusses the orchestration of the sympathetic activation with Editor-in-Chief Professor Nino Ramirez. They base their discussion on the author’s recently published manuscript “Muscle sympathetic single-unit responses during rhythmic handgrip exercise and isocapnic hypoxia in males: the role of sympathoexcitation magnitude”. Listening to this podcast you will gain not only insights into this particular manuscript, but it will raise your awareness of the astonishingly differentiated sympathetic activation in health and disease. You will also learn how microneurography can be used to characterize specific subpopulations of muscle sympathetic single units as they are activated and inhibited during mild sympathoexcitatory stress. Listen today!

Anthony V. Incognito, André L. Teixeira, Brooke M. Shafer, Massimo Nardone, Tyler D. Vermeulen, Glen E. Foster, and Philip J. Millar Muscle sympathetic single-unit responses during rhythmic handgrip exercise and isocapnic hypoxia in males: the role of sympathoexcitation magnitude Journal of Neurophysiology

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00678.2020

A Discussion on Postural mechanisms in moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy with Dr. Goodworth and Dr. Saavedra

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 13:03:04 +0000

In this podcast coauthors Dr. Adam Goodworth of Westmont College and Dr. Sandra Saavedra of the University of Hartford discuss their manuscript titled “Postural mechanisms in moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy” with Editor in Chief Prof. Nino Ramirez. Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of motor disability in children. People with moderate-to-severe CP are typically non-ambulatory and have major impairments in trunk postural control. Dr. Saavedra has tremendous clinical experience in treating children with CP and shares in this podcast her clinical insights and why she realized how important it is to collaborate with engineers to better help children with CP. Dr. Goodworth is an inventor and engineer who closely works with Dr. Saavedra to understand the postural challenges faced by children with CP. Together they published the first systems identification study to investigate postural responses to external stimulus. They hypothesize at how the atypical postural control system functions with use of an experimentally validated feedback model.

Adam Goodworth and Sandra Saavedra

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00549.2020

Event-related synchronization/desynchronization and functional neuroanatomical regions associated with fatigue effects on cognitive flexibility

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 18:06:37 +0000

In our current society, multimedia use is particularly prevalent. It has become increasingly normal to multitask, which requires cognitive flexibility. How do we focus without getting fatigued at the same time? Would you think that the data on fatigability bears information about possible changes in people with “burnout” or other forms of “fatigue”? What is happening in our brain when we fatigue by pursuing our daily tasks? Author, Professor Christian Beste of Dresden University of Technology discusses these questions and more with Editor in Chief Professor Jan-Marino (Nino) Ramirez in our latest podcast. Cognitive flexibility is an essential prerequisite for goal-directed behavior and daily observations already show that it deteriorates when one is engaged in a task for (too) long time. Yet, the neural mechanisms underlying such fatigability effect in cognitive flexibility are poorly understood. We examined how theta, alpha and beta frequency event-related synchronization and desynchronization processes during a cued memory-based task switching are modulated by time-on-task effects. We put special emphasis on the examination of functional neuroanatomical regions being associated with these modulations using EEG-beamforming. We show clear declines in task switching performance (increased switch costs) with time on task. For processes occurring before rule switching or repetition processes, we show that anticipatory attentional sampling and selection mechanisms associated with fronto-parietal structures are modulated by time on task effects, but also sensory areas (occipital cortex) show fatigability-dependent modulations. After target stimulus presentation, the allocation of processing resources for response selection as reflected by theta-related activity in parietal cortices is compromised with time-on-task. Similarly, seem to a concomitant increase in alpha and beta band related attentional processing or gating mechanisms in frontal and occipital regions. Yet, considering the behavioral data showing an apparent decline in performance, this probably compensatory increase is still insufficient to allow reasonable performance. The same is likely the case for processes occurring before rule switching or repetition processes. Comparative analyses show that modulations of alpha band activity are as strongly modulated by fatigability as theta band activity. Implications of these findings for theoretical concepts on fatigability are discussed.

Shijing Yu, Moritz Mückschel, and Christian Beste

Read the manuscript here: https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00228.2021

Evaluation of force feedback in walking using joint torques as ‘naturalistic‘ stimuli

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 14:45:49 +0000

What are the common features of force detection in vertebrates, insects and walking machines? Do the sense organs signal different force qualities at different joints? In the podcast coauthors Professor Sasha Zill of Marshall University, Dr. Nicholas Szcecinski of the University of West Virginia and Professor Ansgar Büschges of the University of Cologne join Editor in Chief Professor Nino Ramirez to delve deeper into their manuscript titled “Evaluation of force feedback in walking using joint torques as 'naturalistic' stimuli.” Sensory encoding of forces during walking by campaniform sensilla was characterized in stick insects using waveforms of joint torques calculated by inverse dynamics as mechanical stimuli. Tests using the mean joint torque and torques of individual steps showed the system is highly sensitive to force dynamics (dF/dt). Use of 'naturalistic' stimuli can reproduce characteristics of sensory discharges seen in freely walking insects, such as load transfer among legs.

Sasha N. Zill, Chris J. Dallmann, Nicholas S. Szczecinski, Ansgar Büschges, and Josef Schmitz Journal of Neurophysiology

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00120.2021

Taking aim at the perceptual side of motor learning: Exploring how explicit and implicit learning encode perceptual error information through depth vision

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 14:29:15 +0000

What are the explicit and implicit processes that contribute to motor learning in visuomotor adaptation tasks? In this podcast authors, Prof Jordan Taylor of Princeton University and Dr. Carlo Campagnoli of the University of Leeds discuss their recently published manuscript “Taking aim at the perceptual side of motor learning: Exploring how explicit and implicit learning encode perceptual error information through depth vision” by Campagnoli, et al with Editor in Chief Prof. Nino Ramirez. The authors of this manuscript leveraged a classic sensorimotor adaptation task to perform a first systematic assessment of the role of perceptual cues in the estimation of an error signal in the 3D space during motor learning. We crossed two conditions presenting different amounts of depth information, with two manipulations emphasizing explicit and implicit learning processes. Explicit learning responded to the visual conditions, consistent with perceptual reports, while implicit learning appeared to be independent of them.

Read the article: https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00153.2021

Case Studies in Neuroscience: Neuropathology and diaphragm dysfunction in ventilatory failure from late-onset Pompe disease

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:11:00 +0000

What is Pompe disease? What are the current treatment options and their limitations, such as enzyme replacement therapy? What insights can you gain in animal models, and how similar is the disease progression in the mouse vs the human patient? In this podcast authors Dr. Dave Fuller and Dr. Barbara Smith, of the University of Florida, discuss their recently published manuscript with Editor in Chief Prof. Nino Ramirez. This case study offered a unique opportunity to investigate longitudinal changes in phrenic neurophysiology in an individual with severe, ventilator-dependent, late-onset Pompe disease. Additional diaphragm and neural tissue histology upon autopsy confirmed significant neuromuscular degeneration, and it provided novel insights regarding rostral to caudal variability in neuropathology. These findings suggest that a successful treatment approach for ventilator-dependent Pompe disease should target the central nervous system, in addition to skeletal muscle.

#Neuroscience #JNPPodcastSeries #JNeurophysiol

David D. Fuller, Jorge A. Trejo-Lopez, Anthony T. Yachnis, Michael D. Sunshine, Sabhya Rana, Victoria E. Bindi, Barry J. Byrne, and Barbara K. Smith

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00190.2021

Cortical compensation for hearing loss, but not age, in neural tracking of the fundamental frequency of the voice

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 12:56:38 +0000

How do factors like advancing age and hearing loss impact auditory processing in the human brain? In this podcast, author Dr. Jana Van Canneyt of the University of Leuven discusses the recently published manuscript “Cortical compensation for hearing loss, but not age, in neural tracking of the fundamental frequency of the voice” with Editor in Chief Prof. Nino Ramirez. Previous studies disagree on the effects of age and hearing loss on the neurophysiological processing of the fundamental frequency of the voice (f0), in part due to confounding effects. Using a novel electrophysiological technique, natural speech stimuli, and controlled study design, we quantified and disentangled the effects of age and hearing loss on neural f0 processing. We uncovered evidence for underlying neurophysiological mechanisms, including a cortical compensation mechanism for hearing loss, but not for age.

Jana Van Canneyt, Jan Wouters, and Tom Francart Read the manuscript here: https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00156.2021

Increased excitation-inhibition balance and loss of GABAergic synapses in the serine racemase knockout model of NMDA receptor hypofunction

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 13:43:09 +0000

What are the neuronal mechanisms that are the neuronal mechanisms implicated in Schizophrenia? Why is the SRKO mouse such a great model? How does it compare to other models of Schizophrenia in general and NMDA hypofunction in particular? In this podcast Editor in Chief Professor Nino Ramirez and author, Dr. John Gray (University of California, Davis) discusses his manuscript titled “Increased excitation-inhibition balance and loss of GABAergic synapses in the serine racemase knockout model of NMDA receptor hypofunction”. Recently, disruption of E/I balance has become an area of considerable interest for psychiatric research. Here, we report a reduction in inhibition in the serine racemase KO mouse model of schizophrenia that increases E/I balance and enhances synaptically-driven neuronal excitability. This reduced inhibition was driven cell-autonomously in pyramidal cells lacking serine racemase, suggesting a novel mechanism for how chronic NMDA receptor hypofunction can disrupt information processing in schizophrenia. Listen to learn more about this fascinating study.

Shekib A. Jami, Scott Cameron, Jonathan M. Wong, Emily R. Daly , A.
Kimberley McAllister, and John A. Gray

Read the manuscript here: https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00661.2020

Distributed Processing of Load and Movement Feedback in the Premotor Network Controlling an Insect Leg Joint

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

What types of proprioceptors are involved in insect locomotion? Insects have an exoskeleton, mammals have an endoskeleton. What are the implications for proprioception and locomotion in general? What are the advantages of studying proprioception in animals with an exoskeleton?

In this podcast, senior author Prof. Ansgar Buschges and first author Ms. Corinna Gebehart address these questions with Editor-in-Chief Prof. Nino Ramirez. They discuss their recently published manuscript, titled "Distributed Processing of Load and Movement Feedback in the Premotor Network Controlling an Insect Leg Joint."

Proprioception is crucial for motor control in legged animals. The authors show the extent to which processing of movement (fCO) and load (CS) signals overlaps in the local premotor network of an insect leg. Multimodal signals converge onto the same set of interneurons, and our knowledge about distributed, antagonistic processing is extended to incorporate multiple modalities within one perceptual neuronal framework.

https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/jn.00090.2021

#Neuroscience #JNPPodcastSeries

Encoding of limb state by single neurons in the cuneate nucleus of awake monkeys

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 12:36:03 +0000

Why is it important to study the cuneate nucleus/proprioception in the brain? In this podcast authors, Dr. Lee Miller and Mr. Christopher Versteeg talk with our guest host, Associate Editor Professor Robert Brownstone, about their recently published article on “Encoding of limb state by single neurons in the cuneate nucleus of awake monkeys.” The cuneate nucleus (CN) is the somatosensory gateway into the brain, and only recently has it been possible to record these signals from an awake animal. The authors recorded single CN neurons in monkeys and found proprioceptive CN neurons appear to receive input from very few muscles. In addition, the sensitivity of proprioceptive CN neurons to movement changes reliably during reaching, relative to passive arm perturbations. Sensitivity is generally increased, but not exclusively so, as though CN "spotlights" critical proprioceptive information during reaching. Is the CN affected by different receptor origins of signals and/or different muscles? Listen and find out.

Christopher Versteeg, Joshua M. Rosenow, Sliman J. Bensmaia, and Lee E. Miller

Read the article here: https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00568.2020

Sodium sensitivity of KNa channels in mouse CA1 neurons

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 13:43:16 +0000

The Journal of Neurophysiology would like to dedicate the following podcast to Dr. Richard Gray. Dr. Gray passed away at the age of 68 on September 4, 2021.

How are potassium channels regulated? How ubiquitous are sodium-dependent potassium channels? In this podcast Editor-in-Chief Professor Nino Ramirez and authors Drs. Richard Gray and Daniel Johnston discuss their manuscript titled “Sodium sensitivity of KNa channels in mouse CA1 neurons.”. In this podcast, the authors discuss KNa channels in mouse hippocampal CA1 neurons. Excised inside-out patches showed the channels to be prevalent and active in most patches. Cell-attached recordings from intact neurons, however, showed little channel activity. Increasing cytoplasmic sodium in intact cells showed a small effect on channel activity compared to that seen in inside-out excised patches. Blockade of the Na+/K+ pump with ouabain, however, restored the activity of the channels to that seen in inside-out patches. The results emphasize the power of the Na+/K+ pump in maintaining a normally low concentration of intracellular Na+.

Sodium sensitivity of KNa channels in mouse CA1 neurons

Volume 125Issue 5 May 2021 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00064.2021

#neuroscience #JNPPodcastSeries

Compensating for a shifting world: evolving reference frames of visual and auditory signals across three multimodal brain areas

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 17:29:30 +0000

Auditory and visual information are processed differently by the brain, especially when it comes to space. In vision, the retina senses the locations of images with respect to where the eyes are pointing. In hearing, the cues our brains use to localize sound tell us where the sound is positioned with respect to the head and ears. How then do we perceive space as unified? In particular, how do our brains compensate for eye movements that constantly shift the relationship of the visual and auditory scenes?

In this podcast Editor in Chief Nino Ramirez and author Jennifer Groh discuss the manuscript titled “Compensating for a shifting world: evolving reference frames of visual and auditory signals across three multimodal brain areas” by Caruso et al. Models for visual-auditory integration posit that visual signals are eye-centered throughout the brain, while auditory signals are converted from head-centered to eye-centered coordinates. In the manuscript they show instead that both modalities largely employ hybrid reference frames: neither fully head- nor eye-centered. Across three hubs of the oculomotor network (intraparietal cortex, frontal eye field, and superior colliculus) visual and auditory signals evolve from hybrid to a common eye-centered format via different dynamics across brain areas and time.

Valeria C. Caruso, Daniel S. Pages, Marc A. Sommer, and Jennifer M. Groh

#neuroscience @jmgrohneuro

Check out the article here: https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00385.2020

Join APS today-https://www.physiology.org/community/aps-membership

The Neurocene-Exploring Developments in the Field of Neuroscience

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Editor in Chief Nino Ramirez and Associate Editor Prof. John Krakauer discuss JNP’s new manuscript type the Neurocene. The Neurocene is a narrative that explores accelerating developments in the field of neuroscience, placing them in their historical and present context. Authors should provide a personalized and thoughtful viewpoint of a topic that does not seek to either provide definitive proof or a final conclusion.

This long-form scientific essay may focus on cultural currents, books and biography, philosophy and the history of science, and on puzzles, paradoxes, and controversies within the field of neuroscience itself. The article is meant to be inclusive, and the only stipulation is that the essay be written with longevity in mind - they should be read with equal pleasure and interest decades after their publication date.

For more information on the Journal of Neurophysiology's manuscript types click here: https://journals.physiology.org/jn/article-types

#neuroscience

Respiratory effects of low and high doses of fentanyl in control and β-arrestin 2 deficient mice

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Editor in Chief Nino Ramirez and senior author, Professor Haouzi of Pennsylvania State University discuss the paper titled “Respiratory effects of low and high doses of fentanyl in control and β-arrestin 2 deficient mice”. When life-threatening doses of fentanyl are used in mice, the beta-arrestin2 pathway appears to play a critical role in the recovery from an opioid overdose. This observation calls into question the use of G protein-biased μ-opioid receptor agonists, as a strategy for safer opioid analgesic drugs.

Check out the article here: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/jn.00711.2020

#neuroscience

The effect of visual uncertainty on implicit motor adaptation

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 12:14:22 +0000

What is sensorimotor adaptation? Why do the authors use this term rather than motor learning? What are some of the key features of sensorimotor adaptation, and in particular, why is the focus here on error-based learning? How do the author's results change the way we think about how visual uncertainty impacts adaptation?

Out of the University of California, Professor Richard Ivry and JT Tsay discuss their recently published manuscript titled “The effect of visual uncertainty on implicit motor adaptation.” Sensorimotor adaptation is influenced by both the size and variance of error information. In the present study, we varied visual uncertainty and error size in a factorial manner and evaluated their joint effect on adaptation, using a feedback method that avoids inherent limitations with standard visuomotor tasks. Uncertainty attenuated adaptation but only when the error was small. This striking interaction highlights a novel constraint for models of sensorimotor adaptation.

Check out the article here: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/jn.00493.2020

#neuroscience #JNPPodcastSeries

Music-selective neural populations arise without musical training

Tue, 25 May 2021 11:06:00 +0000

What features of a sound does the brain perceive as a pitch? What is the role of rhythm in music? In this podcast Dr. Nancy Kanwisher ( Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and PhD candidate Dana Boebinger (Harvard University) discuss how music-selective neural populations are clearly present in people without musical training, demonstrating that they are a fundamental and widespread property of the human brain. The authors then discuss how music-selective neural populations respond strongly to music from unfamiliar genres as well as music with rhythm but little pitch information, suggesting that they are broadly responsive to music as a whole.

Read the article here: https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00588.2020

#neuroscience

Neurovision: Capturing new ideas and experiments in the Journal of Neurophysiology

Fri, 21 May 2021 17:28:16 +0000

In this podcast Editor in Chief Nino Ramirez discusses JNP’s new article type Neurovision with Prof. John Krakauer of Johns Hopkins University and Prof. Reza Shadmehr of Johns Hopkins University. Neurovision articles aim to move science forward and point out bottlenecks in our understanding of the field. They resemble review articles, but with the inclusion of original data. The presence of new original data is meant to inspire new experiments and ideas. These articles will serve as blueprints, and guides for future research. JNP is inviting leading neuroscientists to write articles in this format, which will serve as templates moving forward.

For more information on the Journal of Neurophysiology's manuscript types click here: https://journals.physiology.org/jn/article-types

#neuroscience

Spatial receptive field structure of double-opponent cells in macaque V1

Fri, 07 May 2021 15:44:38 +0000

In this podcast Dr. Greg Horwitz of the University of Washington discuses double-opponent cells in macaque area V1, a class of neurons that respond to spatial chromatic contrast in visual scenes. What information they carry is debated because their receptive field organization has not been characterized thoroughly. Using white noise analysis and statistical model comparisons, De and Horwitz show that many double-opponent receptive fields can be captured by either a Gabor model or a center-with-an-asymmetric-surround model but not by a difference-of-Gaussians model.

Read the article here:

https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/jn.00547.2020

Synchronous spiking associated with prefrontal high gamma oscillations evokes a 5 Hz-rhythmic modulation of spiking in locus coeruleus

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 18:16:02 +0000

In this episode Editor in Chief Prof. Ramirez is joined by Prof Stroh of the University of Mainz and Prof. Totah of the University of Helsinki to discus the manuscript titled "Synchronous spiking associated with prefrontal high gamma oscillations evokes a 5 Hz-rhythmic modulation of spiking in locus coeruleus." Prof. Nelson Totah highlights the main conceptual advances in their paper and talks about what motivated them to focus on top down control exerted by PFC on LC. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is thought to control activity in the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC). Prior anatomical and prefrontal stimulation studies demonstrated the potential for PFC-LC interactions; however, it is unknown what types of PFC activity affect the LC. In this podcast, the author talks about the transient increases in PFC high gamma power and associated changes in PFC unit-pair synchrony that are a potential sign of top-down control over the LC.

Nelson K. Totah, Nikos K. Logothetis, Oxana Eschenko

Also discussed: McCormick, D. A., Nestvogel, D. B. & He, B. J. Neuromodulation of Brain State and Behavior. Annu Rev Neurosci 43, 1–25 (2020)

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00677.2020

Development and plasticity of complex movement representations

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 14:47:12 +0000

The topographic organization of skilled movements seem to be particularly plastic. The author describes how they addressed this issue in their study, and what methods they used. The motor cortex is topographically organized into maps of different body parts. We used to think that the function of motor cortex was to drive individual muscles, but more recently we have learned that it is also organized to make complex movements. In this podcast Prof. Cam Teskey of the University of Calgary discuses in detail the emergence and topography of complex movement representation, as well as their plasticity during development.

#neuroscience #JNPPodcastSeries

Anna C. Singleton, Andrew R. Brown & G. Campbell Teskey

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00531.2020

The execution of movement - a spinal affair

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 14:43:14 +0000

What does it take to recover walking after a spinal cord injury? If you could replicate this supraspinal control – what aspects would you need? In this podcast Prof Sten Grillner talks about the spinal mechanisms that coordinate locomotion and the interaction between the different sensory mechanisms that help coordinate the locomotor movements and the central locomotor network.

Sten Grillner

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00656.2020 @neuroscience

Regulation of Vocal Precision by Noradrenergic Modulation of a Motor Nucleus

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 15:17:56 +0000

In this podcast, Editor-in-Chief, Nino Ramirez talks with Dr. Marc Schmidt (University of Pennsylvania) about his Research Article which explores recent theories of norepinephrine (NE) function regarding the stimulation of the norepinephrine function that NE can act directly on the motor system to influence the transition between exploratory and exploitative behavioral strategies. Learn how the songbird can act directly on a "cortical" motor area and cause a switch between exploratory and exploitative behavior. Read the article:

"Regulation of vocal precision by noradrenergic modulation of a motor nucleus"

Marc F Schmidt, Zachary Phillip Sheldon, Christina B. Castelino, Chris M. Glaze, Steve Bibu, Elvina Yau

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00154.2020

Variable but not random: temporal pattern coding in a songbird brain area necessary for song modification

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 15:01:09 +0000

Have you ever wondered how the brain encodes information? How do you crack a code produced within the brain? What are the changes in practicing and performing during development and aging? In this podcast the authors talk about the differences between practice and performance. Be sure to listen to the end for our special guest.

S. E. Palmer, B. D. Wright, A. J. Doupe, and M. H. Kao

Read the article here: https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00034.2019 @neuroscience

Whole brain mapping of somatosensory responses in awake marmosets investigated with ultra-high field fMRI

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 18:57:35 +0000

In this podcast Editor in Chief Nino Ramirez interviews first author Justine Clery and senior author Stefan Everling about an insightful new Research Article by Clery et al. Learn more about the advantages of the marmosets as a primate model system for studying primate neuroscience. The authors talk about using somatosensory stimulation combined with functional MRI in awake marmosets to reveal the topographic body representation in areas S1, S2, thalamus and putamen. They showed the existence of a body representation organization within the thalamus and the cingulate cortex by computing functional connectivity maps from seeds defined in S1/S2 using resting-state fMRI data. This non-invasive approach will be essential for chronic studies by guiding invasive recording and manipulation techniques.

https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00480.2020

@JustineClery @Yuki26147815 @andpru #neuroscience

Online control of reach accuracy in mice

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 20:46:24 +0000

Have you ever wondered how the brain controls reaching movements, whether mice can perfect a reaching movement and cease making errors, which would resemble a “hot-hand” a phenomenon that has been proposed and discussed in Basketball. What about perfecting reaching movements in the violin? In this podcast Editor-in-Chief Nino Ramirez talks with Dr. Abby Person (University of Colorado), senior author of the study entitled “online control of reach accuracy in mice”. This study uses statistical machine learning and kinematic characterization to identify the canonical features of reaching movements that are conserved in mice and primates. Read the article here: https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00324.2020 @personal_neuro

Estimation of self-sustained activity produced by persistent inward currents using firing rate profiles of multiple motor units in humans

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 18:28:24 +0000

In this podcast, new Editor-in-Chief Nino Ramirez talks with Dr. Monica Gorassini (University of Alberta) about her recent article which employed a "new method of estimating synaptic drive to multiple, simultaneously recorded motor units" in order to explore the contribution of persistent inward currents to self-sustained firing across motoneuron size. This article was also featured in August's issue of APSselect!

"Estimation of self-sustained activity produced by persistent inward currents using firing rate profiles of multiple motor units in humans"

Babak Afsharipour, Nagib Manzur, Jennifer Duchcherer, Keith F. Fenrich, Christopher K. Thompson, Francesco Negro, Katharina A. Quinlan, David J. Bennett, and Monica A. Gorassini

Published online June 26, 2020.

DOI: 10.1152/jn.00194.2020.

LRRK2 mutation alters behavioral, synaptic, and nonsynaptic adaptations to acute social stress

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 22:00:38 +0000

How does a common Parkinson's Disease-linked mutation affect stress response? In this podcast, Editor-in-Chief Bill Yates talks with Christopher Guevara, Dr. Bridget Matikainen-Ankney, Dr. Deanna Benson, and Dr. George Huntley (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai) about their Rapid Report article, which explored this question in a mouse model of the LRRK2-G2019S mutation. Listen to learn about evidence of how "G2019S alters the magnitude and direction of behavioral responses to stress that may reflect unique modifications of adaptive plasticity in cells and circuits implicated in psychopathology in humans."

LRRK2 mutation alters behavioral, synaptic, and nonsynaptic adaptations to acute social stress
Christopher A. Guevara,* Bridget A. Matikainen-Ankney,* Nebojsa Kezunovic, Katherine LeClair, Alexander P. Conway, Caroline Menard, Meghan E. Flanigan, Madeline Pfau, Scott J. Russo, Deanna L. Benson,* and George W. Huntley, Published online June 16, 2020.
DOI: 10.1152/jn.00137.2020.

Comparative gain-of-function effects of the KCNMA1-N999S mutation on human BK channel properties

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 21:47:03 +0000

In this podcast, Editor-in-Chief Bill Yates talks with Dr. Andrea Meredith and Dr. Hans Moldenhauer about their article which compares the effects of different mutations (N999S and D434G) which are associated with the recently-identified neurological disorder called KCNMA1-linked channelopathy. This research was also featured in Episode 4 of the Netflix and New York Times documentary series Diagnosis. Listen to learn about BK channels, gain-of-function mutations, and important clinical implications of this research!

Comparative gain-of-function effects of the KCNMA1-N999S mutation on human BK channel properties
Hans J. Moldenhauer, Katia K. Matychak, and Andrea L. Meredith, Published online February 4, 2020.
DOI: 10.1152/jn.00626.2019.

The “embreathment” illusion highlights the role of breathing in corporeal awareness

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 21:12:54 +0000

What exactly is corporeal awareness, and how does breathing contribute to this form of self-consciousness? In this podcast, Editor-in-Chief Bill Yates talks with Alessandro Monti, Dr. Giuseppina Porciello, Dr. Gaetano Tieri, and Dr. Salvatore M. Aglioti (Sapienza Università di Roma and IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia) about their Rapid Report article, which combined respiration recordings with immersive virtual reality to explore this question. Listen to learn about the embreathment illusion, which emerged from this unique experimental design.

The “embreathment” illusion highlights the role of breathing in corporeal awareness
Alessandro Monti, Giuseppina Porciello, Gaetano Tieri, and Salvatore M. Aglioti, Published online January 17, 2020.
DOI: 10.1152/jn.00617.2019.

Estradiol rapidly modulates excitatory synapse properties in a sex- and region-specific manner in rat nucleus accumbens core and caudate-putamen

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 19:38:52 +0000

How does estradiol acutely facilitate sex differences in striatum-dependent behaviors? In this podcast, Editor-in-Chief Bill Yates talks with Dr. Amanda Krentzel and Dr. John Meitzen (both from North Carolina State University) about their study which investigated this question in adult rats. Listen to learn about sex differences, medium spiny neurons, glutamatergic signaling, and more.

Also be sure to check out the parallel episode of The Brain That Named Itself podcast, which discusses this study in a way that is acessible to non-scientists: https://brainthatnameditself.com/episode-14-science-interlude

Estradiol rapidly modulates excitatory synapse properties in a sex- and region-specific manner in rat nucleus accumbens core and caudate-putamen
Amanda A. Krentzel, Lily R. Barrett, and John Meitzen
Journal of Neurophysiology, Published online September 13, 2019.
DOI: 10.1152/jn.00264.2019.