הרצאת המכון ללימודים מתקדמים: איך המוח למד להסתגל? סיפורו של הניאוקורטקס

How did the mammalian brain evolve to support complex, flexible behavior? Join us for a special seminar with Professor Joshua Trachtenberg, a neuroscientist at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, and a Lowy Distinguished Guest Professor at the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS), Tel Aviv University.

In this seminar, Prof. Trachtenberg will explore the evolution of adaptive circuitry in the mammalian neocortex, focusing on a key transition in brain architecture that occurred over 160 million years ago: the evolutionary split between marsupials (metatherians) and placental mammals (eutherians).

Drawing on advanced techniques such as single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, the research compares neocortical structure in opossums and mice. The findings reveal major differences in glutamatergic neuron specialization, inhibitory circuits, and oligodendrocyte distribution, suggesting that placental mammals developed a more plastic and modular cortical architecture—enabling greater behavioral adaptability.

Seminar Title:
The Evolution of Adaptive Circuitry in Mammalian Neocortex

When and Where?
Thursday, 29 May 2025 at 14:00
Room 03, Sherman Building

The seminar will be held in English and is open to all.
Light refreshments will be served before the event.

The Institute of Advanced Studies
https://ias.tau.ac.il/