Title: Decoding Neurons to Behavior in a Model Organism - Reiss Lecture

Speaker: Adrienne Fairhall, University of Washington

Abstract: The freshwater cnidarian Hydra is a fascinating model organism for neuroscience. It is transparent; new genetic lines allow one to image activity in both neurons and muscle cells; it exhibits a quite rich suite of behaviors; and it continually rebuilds itself. Hydra's fairly simple physical structure as a two-layered fluid-filled hydrostat and the accessibility of information about neural and muscle activity open the possibility of a complete model of neural control of behavior. We have developed a biophysical and biomechanical model of Hydra's muscles and body that allows us to transform measured neural activity into behavior. We also propose a model for how the neural network rebuilds as the animal regenerates itself following bisection.

Zoom: TBA

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