We study how the brain controls the body to maintain homeostasis
When faced with threats to their survival, animals execute flexible behavioral adaptations specific to each threat, such as escaping a predator.
These behaviors are accompanied by brain-driven physiological changes, including elevated heart rate, blood pressure and respiration, which are critical for meeting the increased energy demands during stress.
Our goal is to define how the hypothalamus controls physiology and behavior to maintain a steady bodily state in the face of challenges.
We use circuits and systems neuroscience technologies: single cell calcium imaging, in vivo fiber photometry, neuroanatomical tracing methods, in vivo optogenetics and chemogenetics and biotelemetry recordings of physiology
