Through cutting-edge research on the thalamic reticular nucleus, neuroscientist Julie Haas uncovers how our brains filter sensory input, shaping focus, perception, and even fear responses.
In a bustling lab blending computational modeling with experimental precision, neuroscientist Julie Haas and her team delve into the mysteries of how our brains focus on specific stimuli amidst a sea of sensory information. Their work explores the functions of the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), a group of cells linking the thalamus to the cerebral cortex. The TRN receives input from both the cortex and most nuclei of the thalamus, with its neurons modulating the thalamus’ responses as it relays sensory input to the rest of the brain.
Francis Crick, the co-discoverer of DNA’s structure, first hypothesized that the TRN acts as a "neural searchlight" enabling us to prioritize sensory input. Haas’s work aims to uncover how this intricate process unfolds and what makes the TRN uniquely suited for its role in selective attention. Her lab focuses on electrical synapses, which allow neurons to communicate quickly and efficiently. She is particularly interested in how the strength of these synapses affects TRN circuits and their critical role in controlling attention.
Read Julie's full story on the College of Arts and Sciences News
Spotlight Recipient
Julie Haas
Associate Professor