Link to project: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/bbsrc-dtp-neural-network-models-to-inform-imaging-measurements-of-brain-plasticity/?p147611
About the Project Neuroplasticity is the mechanism that underpins the brain’s ability to learn. It is an umbrella term that encompasses multiple processes occurring at different spatial and temporal scales (1, 2). The most commonly discussed type of plasticity is long-term potentiation (LTP) which is defined as an increase in efficacy between synapses of two neurons. Experiments designed to measure LTP are often done in cell slices or cultures using patch-clamp techniques. However, we often want to promote (and measure) plasticity in humans but its not clear how changes in synaptic efficacy manifest in macroscopic imaging measurements such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), or electroencephalography (EEG) that are available for use in humans. This project aims to link our detailed cellular-level knowledge of plasticity processes with systems-level observations in humans and is focussed on answering the following 2 questions: 1. How can we modulate plasticity non-invasively in the brain? 2. How can we measure plasticity in vivo? To answer these questions you will combine computational modelling of biophysically realistic large-scale neural networks that exhibit plasticity with cutting edge neuroimaging techniques to test the model predictions. The model will be adapted so that its output can be compared to the three major imaging techniques described above and you will determine how changes in connectivity between and within regions in the model predict changes in our imaging metrics. There will be a particular focus on developing an EEG marker of plasticity as this currently does not exist. Finally, you will test the model predictions in an imaging study combining stimulation, EEG, MRI and MRS in a proof-of-concept experiment in humans. This will provide us with a deeper understanding of how to modulate and measure plasticity that can be deployed in the future for medical applications of brain stimulation such as in Parkinson’s disease, depression and pain control. Eligibility Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology. Before you Apply Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application. How To Apply To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on eligibility how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/bbsrc-dtp/<https://www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=147611&type=184&DID=1020&url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.bmh.manchester.ac.uk%2fstudy%2fresearch%2fbbsrc-dtp%2f> Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [email protected]<javascript:void(0)> Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/<https://www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=147611&type=184&DID=1020&url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.bmh.manchester.ac.uk%2fstudy%2fresearch%2fapply%2fequality-diversity-inclusion%2f> ________________________________ Funding Notes Studentship funding is for 4 years. This scheme is open to both the UK and international applicants. We are only able to offer a limited number of studentships to applicants outside the UK. Therefore, full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
