Collective behavior (Sara Arganda, Alfonso Pérez Escudero, Robert Hinz, Julian Vicente Page) We are studying the behavior of animal collectives. We have developed a theoretical framework that explains well how animal collectives take decisions from simple properties of perceptual and cognitive systems: A. Perez-Escudero & G. G. de Polavieja, 'Collective Animal Behavior from Bayesian Estimation and Probability Matching' We are performing experiments in zebrafish to extend this type of first-principles cognitive approach to collective animal behavior. Techniques being developed include new tracking algorithms to follow individuals in groups without the need for corrections, new modelling and analysis as well as new neurobiological tools. Structure of circuits (Alfonso Pérez Escudero & Marta Rivera-Alba) We are studying the structure of brains, including location of neurons, shape of trees and topology of circuits. Representative publication: A. Perez-Escudero, M. Rivera-Alba & G. G. de Polavieja,
'Structure of deviations from optimality in biological systems', PNAS
106, 20544-20549 (2009) link
A. Perez-Escudero & G.G. de Polavieja, 'Optimally wired subnetwork determines neuroanatomy in C. elegans', PNAS 104, 17180-17185 (2007) pdf Processing in circuits (Sara Arganda, Amanda Sorribes)
We are studying the processing properties of circuits, mainly the possible neuronal codes, the role of feedbacks, and decision-making. Representative publication:
S. Arganda, R. Guantes & G. G. de Polavieja, 'Sodium pumps adapt spike bursting to stimulus statistics', Nat. Neurosc. 10, 1467-1473 (2007) pdf Behaviour in Drosophila (Amanda Sorribes)
We are studying relationships between circuits and basic features of behaviour like behavioral bursting and decision-making. Representative publication: A. Sorribes, B. G. Armendariz, D.
Lopez-Pigozzi, C. Murga & G. de Polavieja, |    |
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