To encompass this multifaceted research, we occupied versatile cutting-edge technologies such as telemetric electrophysiological recording for rat models and for human studies we have an advanced 32 channels EEG setups and fNIRs, together with our own developed tools and methodologies such as the automated social cooperation maze, and the Mindtendion aimed to measure emotional and attentional dysregulations.
Auditory sustained attention (ASAT)
By investigating auditory sustained attention (ASAT), we are interested in disease conditions such as attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We are also examining the modulation of ASAT by circumstantial life conditions such as fatigue, sleep deprivation etc. This ongoing research is conducted by applying translational-neuroscience approach including behavioral, biochemical and electrophysiological methods. We investigate ASAT in rodent models using an automated box, and in human subjects using a newly EMG-based instrument that is under R&D in our lab (patent reg. #63524). Our human instrument sub-serves as an objective physiological tool aimed to evaluate ADHD symptoms, stimulants (e.g. Methylphenidate/Ritalin) treatment efficacy, dysregulation, and executive functions.
Automated social cooperation maze
Using our automated social cooperation maze, we found irregulating processes across trans-generational inheritance that manifested in two distinct sub-populations of low- and high- performers, that were supported by different proteomics and RNA – seq profiles. Mechanistically, by using telemetric electrophysiological recording in behaving rats and cutting-edge EEG and fNIR spectroscopy tools in humans, we are incorporating a translational approach into the study of both auditory sustained attention (ASAT) and social cooperation.
Operant Odor Box
The operant odor box is part of the experimental toolkit used to evaluate sensory-processing abnormalities in various experimental settings (rats and mice models), in which sensory dysregulation is evident, such as ASD.
