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Yan Zhu, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar
Dept. of Physiological Science
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
University of California, Los Angeles
Curriculum Vitae:
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Research Interests
The human brain has 100 billion interconnected neurons that mediate every thought and action of our everyday lives-like reading this sentence. How does the brain work?
I am interested in the neural basis of animal behavior, particularly how visual information is computed by neural networks. Using Drosophila as a model system, which has ~500,000 times fewer neurons than humans, I study the molecular, genetic, and functional mechanisms by which observable behaviors are orchestrated through specific neural circuits. Under laboratory settings, normal Drosophila exhibit robust and stereotypic behaviors that can be readily observed, such as visually guided locomotion, intraspecific communication, and long range odor localization. Integrating molecular neurogenetics and quantitative behavioral analysis, I study the behavioral deficits of animals that have specific neural circuits genetically inactivated. Furthermore, I apply physio-behavioral assays on genetic mutants to rapidly evaluate the roles of underlying genes in the organization and modulation of the animal behaviors.
Behavior and Neural Circuits
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©2009 Yan Zhu. All rights reserved.
Keyword: drosophila genetics research genetic screen behavior-based fruit fly vision flies visual behavior brain visual system olfaction olfactory behaviors behavioral neuroscience neurobiology circuit circuitry circuits neural network networks male female male-male courtship fruitless mating paradigm paradigms movie high speed video tracking automatic freely walking tethered flight tether tethered-flight flystampede fly stampede group high-throughput screen headroll quantification quantitative assays dissection sensory landing response mapping dissecting cracking inactivation silencing activity modulation activities stimulation dynamic analysis population effect social interaction reaction reflex instinct aversive orientation map neuronal conneciton wiring defect connectivity mutants retina lamina L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 lobula lobular plate medulla circuit busting channelrhodopsin
where: Yan Zhu at Mark Frye and Larry Zipursky lab, in UCLA, HHMI. postdoc washu washington university saint louis neurodevelopment development
