Based on how active they are during an experience, some synapses on a neuron grow stronger and others grow weaker. The pattern of synaptic change represents a memory of the experience. Our experiments focus on the activity-dependent synaptic modifications in the cerebral cortex, a part of the brain that stores memories in mammals. We use a wide range of techniques, including biochemical analysis of synaptic proteins, electrophysiological recordings from neurons in vitro and in vivo, high-resolution florescence microscopy, and behavioral analysis. A synaptic basis for memory storage in the cerebral cortex.
Monocular deprivation induces homosynaptic long-term depression in visual cortex.
Rapid, experience-dependent expression of synaptic NMDA receptors in visual cortex in vivo .