Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, caused by aggregation of the protein alpha-synuclein (αSyn). Understanding how and when αSyn aggregates form remains a major challenge in comprehending PD pathology, as there is currently no method to visualize the early stages of aggregation. We propose to develop an innovative method to study αSyn aggregation under near native conditions in human neurons. Using a novel protein labelling technique we aim to monitor real-time aggregation inside living cells, which could pave the way for new therapies targeting the early phases of PD.

How do our perceptions of inequality impact how we decide, both for ourselves and towards others? This project investigates the mechanisms by which social inequality influences decision-making. Innovative behavioural and brain imaging experiments are combined with computational modelling to build a detailed understanding of how decision-making is affected by inequality.

Memories are highly dynamic and can be updated, forgotten or transformed with the passing of time. In the brain, memories are represented by alterations in the connections between activated neurons. The investigation of these time-dependent changes in memories at the level of their neural representation therefore requires long-term mapping of neuronal connectivity. So far this was not possible. This project will develop a new technique to capture the neuronal connectivity footprints of specific memories in the brain, enabling the investigation of the dynamic nature of memory representations over time.

Memories are stored in the brain as changes in the connectivity between neurons. This project will develop a new technology to capture the neuronal connectivity footprints of specific memories in the brain and investigate the exact mechanisms by which fear memories are stored, erased and may relapse over time. Herinneringen zijn in het brein opgeslagen als veranderingen in verbindingen tussen hersencellen. Dit project zal een nieuwe techniek ontwikkelen waarmee we deze verbindingen kunnen meten en onderzoeken hoe specifieke angstherinneringen worden opgeslagen, tijdelijk uitdoven maar ook kunnen terugkeren met het verstrijken van tijd.

Fluid reasoning is the ability to figure out abstract, novel problems not reliant on specific knowledge. Individual differences on this ability predict school success, longevity and morbidity, socio-economic outcomes and mental and physical health. However, ‘gold standard’ tests such as the Ravens Matrices and Cattell Culture Fair test are expensive, preventing access by less well-resourced countries, practitioners, and labs, and have a limited number of items, preventing use in longitudinal or ‘experience sampling’ studies. The Open Matrices project will (1) develop, (2) validate and (3) make available an effectively unlimited set of fluid reasoning items to the global community.