CNI Speaker Series: Venkatesh Murthy

Venkatesh Murthy
Professor of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Harvard University

Algorithms and neural circuits in odor-guided behaviors in mice

We are interested in odor-guided behaviors in terrestrial animals – for example, odor object segmentation and categorization, and odor source localization in turbulent environments. To help us understand them, we have developed behavioral tasks in mice using stimuli and situations that approximate natural settings, while allowing electrophysiological recordings, high-resolution optical imaging and optogenetic manipulation. We record neural activity in behaving mice using electro- or opto-physiological methods and relate them to behavioral features. I will present one example study that combines behavior and neural recordings with computational approaches to understand how mice parse odor complex odor stimuli.