The effect of light on memory and cognition

This interdisciplinary project exploits the latest technological advances, encompassing large scale electrophysiological recording, computational tools and intersectional genetic approaches for cell-type specific
manipulation (opto-/chemogenetics) alongside whole animal behavioural monitoring. Thus, the candidate will gain extensive experience with:
i) Cutting-edge electrophysiological techniques to record from large numbers of neurons simultaneously (>200) and sophisticated analysis approaches for the rich data sets these experiments generate - e.g. computational tools for reliably extracting single cell activity, cell-cell interactions and information coding.
ii) The application of intersectional genetic tools and viral vectors
iii) Small animal surgical approaches and use of injectable and inhalational anaesthesia
iv) behavioural assays of rodent memory and cognition
iv) Popular science/engineering programming languages (MATLAB, LabView, Python), basic optics & electronics for generation and control of bespoke experimental apparatus and data analysis/management.
Environmental light is a key regulator of physiology and behaviour, through a combination of influences on the brain's internal clock system and more direct actions on brain function. As such, memory and cognition vary substantially, both as a function of time of day and according to current light levels. Understanding the mechanisms underlying such actions is of significant practical relevance in modern society given our 24/7 lifestyles and increased reliance on artificial illumination rather than natural daylight.
At present, the brain pathways by which light influences memory and cognition and their sensory properties remain poorly understood, presenting a barrier towards optimising environments and living and working practices to promote health, well-being and cognitive? performance. Our recent research, however, has identified new brain pathways in mice that are well placed to mediate these effects, including projections from the brain's central clock (the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus; SCN) and another hypothalamic region that receives retinal input (the lateral hypothalamic area; LHA) to key brain regions implicated in control of memory and cognition. This project will build on these new discoveries to confirm the roles of these new pathways in regulating positive and negative effects of light on memory and cognitive function, define the precise nature of the sensory signals that drive these pathways and determine the extent to which their properties differ between nocturnal rodents and day active animals.

To this end, the successful applicant will receive training in the latest technologies that will allow them to monitor and manipulate the activities of specific, identified, brain pathways in mice and a closely related diurnal rodent (Rhabdomys pumilio); this includes training in cutting edge electrophysiological recording approaches, optogenetic manipulation [eg 1,2] and behavioural assays of memory, cognition and mood [eg 3,4]. In combination, these approaches will provide unprecedented insight into how environmental light influences physiology with significant potential to inform the design of better living and working environments for humans and other animals.