Scuman_Lab_Caltech_protein

The mechanisms by which humans form new memories, recall previously stored memories and consolidate new information are not well understood. Existing knowledge about the neuronal mechanisms underlying learning and memory has been largely advanced through animal research. We have the rare opportunity to record neuronal activity at the single unit level from alert, behaving humans. Patients suffering from medically intractable epilepsy are resistant to drug therapies. To localize the area for surgery, patients are implanted with up to twenty electrodes, including several microwire electrodes in the hippocampus and amygdala. Because electrodes are being placed for clinical diagnostic purposes, an opportunity exists to simultaneously record individual neuronal activity. Using a battery of neuropsychological tests, we are able to examine rapid learning and declarative memory. The ability to record human neuronal activity during behavioral testing should provide a truly unique opportunity to understand the relationship between neuronal firing patterns and learning and memory.

	Human hippocampal recordings The mechanisms by which humans form new memories, recall previously stored memories and consolidate new information are not well understood. Existing knowledge about the neuronal mechanisms underlying learning and memory has been largely advanced through animal research. We have the rare opportunity to record neuronal activity at the single unit level from alert, behaving humans. Patients suffering from medically intractable epilepsy are resistant to drug therapies. To localize the area for surgery, patients are implanted with up to twenty electrodes, including several microwire electrodes in the hippocampus and amygdala. Because electrodes are being placed for clinical diagnostic purposes, an opportunity exists to simultaneously record individual neuronal activity. Using a battery of neuropsychological tests, we are able to examine rapid learning and declarative memory. The ability to record human neuronal activity during behavioral testing should provide a truly unique opportunity to understand the relationship between neuronal firing patterns and learning and memory.