Neurophysiology and Behavior Laboratory
The Neurophysiology and Behavior Laboratory explores how brain activity influences behavior, focusing on neurobiological mechanisms of behavior and the neuronal changes that are translated into pathological behavior.
About the Lab
The Neurophysiology and Behavior Laboratory investigates the neurobiological mechanisms of behavior. A major goal in neuroscience is to understand how the brain processes salient environmental stimuli and promotes behavioral adaptation. Under some circumstances (i.e. stress) changes in neuronal activity generate mal-adaptive behavior and ultimately the development of psychiatric disorders such as drug addiction.
Our challenge is to identify how and when neuronal changes are translated into pathological behavior. We utilize in vivo electrophysiology and pharmacology to track the neuronal correlates of behavior.
Location: Thad Cochran Research Center (animal facility)
Meet the Director
Dr. Del Arco is a Behavioral Neuroscience specialist who received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University Complutense of Madrid, Spain, working on brain neurochemistry and behavior. Most recently he worked as a visiting scholar in the Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, where he gained experience recording neuronal activity in the brain of behaving rats. His research focuses on the neurophysiology of stress and psychiatric disorders in animal models.
Alberto Jose Del Arco Gonzalez
Associate Professor of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management
Research
Social stress makes us more vulnerable to development psychiatric disorders such as substance use disorders. How this negative experience alters brain function and increases vulnerability is not well understood. Currently, we focus on the brain processing of salient motivational cues.
The response to aversive and rewarding cues involves the activation/inhibition of specific neuronal ensembles and circuits in key areas of the brains such as the prefrontal cortex and the ventral tegmental area. We work to identify the neuronal substrates that link social stress to a higher risk for psychiatric disorders.
Our laboratory utilizes the chronic implantation of electrode arrays in the brain to record neuronal activity in behaving animals.
Tracking the Neuronal Response to Aversive and Rewarding Events- How does the brain represent aversive and rewarding events?
- How do repetitive stress and anxiety change this neuronal representation?
- Social Stress, Neuronal ensembles, Cognitive Behavior and Motivation.
- How and when the repeated exposure to aversive experiences impairs cognitive and motivational behavior?
- Which are the neuronal activity changes that make us more vulnerable to develop psychiatric disorders?
- Translational Research: Our laboratory works in collaboration with the Cognition and Neuromechanics Laboratory, School of Engineering, to better understand the neuronal correlates of motor and cognitive behavior in human subjects.
Brain Awareness Week
Who Controls your Brain? Neurotechnologies and Ethical Issues
Neuroscientists Anna Wexler and Aron Barbey delivered insightful talks on neurotechnologies and their implications. Wexler discussed the ethical challenges posed by advancements in brain technologies, while Barbey explored how neuroscience, nutrition, and exercise contribute to enhancing human intelligence.
- Brain Awareness Week 2024
Your Brain on Psychedelics: From Basic Science to Treatment
Globally renowned neuroscientist Javier Gonzalez Maeso discussed the effects of psychedelics on the brain and their potential therapeutic benefits. He explained how substances like LSD and psilocybin can alter brain function and may help improve symptoms of psychiatric disorders such as depression.
- Brain Awareness Week 2023
Suicidal Behavior and the Brain: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Two neuroscientists, Aliona Tsypes and Kristin Austin, along with educator Juawice McCormick, conducted a virtual discussion on suicidal behavior. They explored how neurobiological factors contribute to suicidal behaviors and presented strategies for treatment and risk assessment in the community.
- Brain Awareness Week 2022
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UMMC Neuro Institute
The UMMC Neuro Institute is a multi-department, multi-institution collaborative with a mission to integrate high quality health care, ground-breaking research, and innovative educational programs within the field of neuroscience.
UMMC Neuro Institute
Department of BioMolecular Sciences
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