The effect of optogenetic suppression of gap detection in mice
| dc.contributor.advisor | Wehr, Mike | |
| dc.contributor.author | Morris, Tillie | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2021-07-27T16:53:02Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2021-07-27T16:53:02Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2021 | |
| dc.description | 1 page. | |
| dc.description.abstract | Brief gaps in sound are used to identify the boundaries between words in fluent speech. Without the perception of the timing of these gaps, we would not be able to distinguish between different phonemes. Gap detection, or the ability to quickly detect brief gaps in constant background white noise, is a simplified model for the processes used in speech processing. To understand the processes used to detect gaps, our research focused on gap detection ability in mice. In this experiment, we used a type of behavioral trial known as a 2-Alternative Forced Choice task to test the gap detection ability of mice. We then manipulated their gap detection ability with optogenetics, a genetic technology that allows light to influence the activity of specific neurons due to genetically engineered light-sensitive genes. In this case, the presence of light altered gap detection ability by silencing neurons to fool the mice into missing a gap that was really there. The successful suppression of gap detection ability with optogenetics will suggest that we have correctly identified the circuits involved with gap detection, opening the doors for future gap detection experiments. This research will give more insight into the neural circuits used to process human speech. This will lead to a deeper understanding of the deficits in speech processing that are often seen in normal aging or in diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Eventually, this could contribute to more effective remedies to hearing loss. | en_US |
| dc.format.mimetype | application/pdf | |
| dc.identifier.orcid | https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7738-0409 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/1794/26452 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | |
| dc.publisher | University of Oregon | |
| dc.rights | CC0 | |
| dc.subject | Gap detection | en_US |
| dc.subject | Auditory cortex | en_US |
| dc.subject | Optogenetics | en_US |
| dc.subject | Behavior | en_US |
| dc.title | The effect of optogenetic suppression of gap detection in mice | |
| dc.type | Presentation |