How do we study Circuit Mechanisms of Attention and Control?
Learning Object Value
We study how cells in the brain learn the value of objects and select them in covert choice processes. Cell activity is measured in the human and the animal brain.
Large-Scale Brain Networks
We study how circuits form large scale brain networks implementing attentional control, using fMRI and ECoG recordings of multiple brain areas.
Cell Synchronization
We explore how cells form assemblies and circuits by temporally synchronizing their activity, using tools co-developed with Martin Vinck and FieldTrip.
Reinforcement Learning
We investigate how attention and choice behavior evolves through reinforcement learning using computational models.
How We Find Answers to These Questions
Human Long-Range Connectivity
Understanding how long-range anatomical connections support attention, stimulus selection, and behavior. Example: Micheli et al. (2015), NeuroImage.
Functional Cell Types
Characterizing functional cell classes and their contributions to circuit functions. Example: Ardid et al. (2015), Journal of Neuroscience.
Cell-Specific Network Contributions
Identifying cell-specific contributions to long-range network interactions during attention. Example: Womelsdorf et al. (2014), Current Biology.
Behavioral Learning & Reinforcement
Modeling attentional stimulus selection using reinforcement learning principles. Example: Balcarras et al. (2016), Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience.
Frequency-Specific Coordination
Dissecting how frequency-specific coordination of local field potentials (LFP) and spiketrain correlations support attention. Example: Voloh et al. (2015), PNAS.
Functional Topography
Mapping how value and target prediction processes are distributed across prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex. Example: Kaping et al. (2011), PLoS Biology.
Decoding Neural Information
Understanding information transfer from spike phase, spike rate, and spike-phase-dependent codes. Example: Womelsdorf et al. (2012), PNAS.
Neuromodulation of Circuits
Identifying how neuromodulators shape circuit interactions during attention. Example: Hassani et al. (2015), Society for Neuroscience.
Here are some review manuscripts on these topics from our lab
Womelsdorf T, Everling S (2015) Long-Range Attention Networks: Circuit Motifs Underlying Endogenously Controlled Stimulus Selection. Trends in Neurosciences. 38(11): 682–700. PDF | ResearchGate
Womelsdorf T, Valiante TA, Sahin NT, Miller KJ, Tiesinga P (2014) Dynamic circuit motifs underlying rhythmic gain control, gating and integration. Nature Neuroscience. 17: 1031–1039. PDF
Womelsdorf T, Landau A.N., Fries P. (2014) Attentional Selection through Rhythmic Synchronization at Multiple Frequencies. In: The Cognitive Neurosciences V. Editor: M. Gazzaniga. MIT Press, Cambridge MA, USA.
Womelsdorf T, Vinck M, Leung S, Everling S (2010) Selective theta synchronization of choice relevant information subserves goal-directed behavior. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 107(11): 5248–53.
Womelsdorf T, Fries P (2007) The role of neuronal synchronization in selective attention. Current Opinion in Neurobiology. 17: 154–160.