Sensory physiology
 |
Mohamed ChahineStudy of the structure and function of sodium channels in the brain and heart to identify new therapeutic targets to improve communication between cells.Mohamed Chahine is a world-renowned expert on the structure, function and biophysical properties of sodium channels, which are channels on the surface of cells that allow entry and exit of sodium ions. Sodium channels are specifically found in the brain and the heart, where they affect the function of cells. Dr. Chahine's research has led to the characterization of sodium channels involved in several disorders including... |
 |
Daniel C. CôtéUsing new imaging technologies to better understand evolution of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosisA physicist by training, Professor Daniel Côté works with neurobiologists to develop imaging technologies that can visualize brain cells and determine their level of activity, or that can help with surgery. This approach, based on the use of lasers, optical fibers and the application of complex physical principles, provides a better understanding of the functioning of the brain in health or disease. The technologies developed by Dr. Côté's team have... |
 |
Yves De KoninckSynaptic transmission: from chronic pain to Alzheimer's diseaseYves De Koninck's work focuses on the transmission of signals from one neuron to another, also called synaptic transmission, and the necessary balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain and spinal cord. His research has shown how a normally benign stimulus can turn into a pain signal, leading to the development of chronic pain. One person in five will experience chronic pain in their lifetime, a proportion that increases with age. This is the leading cause of disability in the country... |
 |
Martin DeschênesStudying the senses as a key to understand how complex behaviours are coordinated in the brainMost senses require movement to extract information from the environment: vision is associated with eye and head movements, hearing with head movements, touching entails limb movements, and olfaction requires movement of the nose. To understand how movement and sensation are coordinated to lead to sensory perception, Professor Martin Deschênes and his team study the rodent vibrissa system, a model widely used in neuroscience. The whisking movement allows rodents to explore their... |
 |
Nicolas DoyonReaching a deeper understanding of neurons and neural networks through mathematical simulation and modeling.Professor Nicolas Doyon, from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, uses his expertise in mathematical modeling to better understand how ion transporters influence signal processing by neurons. Precise control of the amounts of certain ions, such as chloride ions, is necessary for the proper functioning of neurons. Professor Doyon's studies have led to a better understanding of the spatio-temporal control of ion transport in neurons. Defects in the... |
 |
Christian ÉthierDesign of brain-computer interfaces to understand and stimulate neuronal activity leading to the formation of new neuronal connections.Dr. Christian Éthier studies how neuronal activity, the passage of an electrochemical current between neurons, leads to the formation or strengthening of connections between these neurons. This phenomenon, known as neuronal plasticity, is essential to the process of learning or repairing neural circuits following injury or stroke damage. Dr. Ethier's team aims to find ways to guide neural reorganization, through electrical or optical... |
 |
Matthieu GuittonCyberbehavior – The study of human behaviors in virtual spacesProfessor Matthieu Guitton's research aims to understand the behavior of people online, in virtual spaces. He is as interested in the psychology of individuals and virtual communities (including virtual communities of patients) as in the social dynamics in these groups, ethics, and computer-aided communication. Impact and use of the internet and virtual reality in healthDr. Guitton's research also focuses on information technologies applied to health sciences. He is studying telemedicine, the... |
 |
Philip JacksonThe Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory was created by Professor Philip L. Jackson, full Professor at the School of Psychology at Laval University. The laboratory studies are carried out at the Interdisciplinary Center for Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CIRRIS), at the CERVO Research Center, and at the School of Psychology. Members of the lab are interested in the human brain's ability to mentally represent others’ actions, emotions or states of mind. From a cognitive and social neuroscience perspective, his research program examines factors that may influence this... |
 |
Armen SaghatelyanStudying the birth of new neurons in the brain to discover new approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.Research in Dr. Armen Saghatelyan’s laboratory aims to better understand how new neurons are born and integrated in the adult brain. The adult brain contains stem cells that divide to generate new neurons. Dr. Saghatelyan's team is interested in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying stem cell division, neuronal precursor migration and the integration of new neurons in the adult brain. The olfactory bulb, which is involved in... |
