Prof. Michal Rivlin
Brain Sciences
The retina is a model system in neuroscience. It is easily accessible and its input can be fully controlled by the investigator. Its simple layered structure combined with the recent advances in microscopy, imaging and genetics place the retina in a unique position to study computations in neuronal circuits.
We find that retinal neurons can dynamically change their computation (=the visual property they report on). We study the mechanisms allowing anatomically-defined neural circuits to change their function, and investigate how higher visual structures decode the dynamic retinal signal.
We also aim to use the retina for early diagnostic of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease.
Field
Neural circuits in the visual system
Research Focus
Functional imaging and electrophysiology recordings to uncover light responses of neurons along the visual pathway and their underlying circuits
Model Organism
Major Methods