High Profile Area at the

MindTalks: What the mouse eye tells the brain and how the brain processes this visual message (Dr. Katrin Franke)

Abstract

To provide a compact and efficient input to the brain, sensory systems separate the incoming information into parallel feature channels. In the visual system, parallel processing starts in the retina. Here, the image is decomposed into multiple retinal ganglion cell (RGC) types, each selective for a specific set of visual features like motion, contrast or edges. Recent work in mice provides a thorough classification of RGCs, revealing that the retina sends approx. 40 distinct information channels to the brain. However, how (i) visual features arise within the retinal network, (ii) are integrated in downstream brain areas and (iii) relate to behavior remains poorly understood. In my talk, I will present recent work addressing these questions by focusing on color - a single visual feature and an important aspect of natural scenes. Specifically, we followed the neural representation of color across all retinal layers to primary visual cortex in mice and linked our findings to the statistics of mouse natural scenes and available behavioral data. With this, we hope to increase our understanding of how specific sensory features are processed across neural hierarchies to drive behavior - a central question in neuroscience.

 

We are looking forward to your participation!

Due to the current Corona situation, all events in the summer semester 2021 will be held virtually via the 'Zoom' platform, as in the past winter semester 2020/2021. We recommend installing the Zoom client, but participation is also possible alternatively and with limited functionality via the web browser. The following links will lead you to the event:

(a) via Zoom client:

https://uni-bremen.zoom.us/j/97394163228?pwd=T0hUaEk5WGN2Ty9rYmVZTzUrRG9idz09

b) via web browser:

https://uni-bremen.zoom.us/wc/join/97394163228?wpk=wcpk82e8214e3f58c1d83e4b8e0a675e4c35

Meeting ID: 973 9416 3228
Passcode/Meeting ID: SPQ2i6