Perceptual Learning of Actions in Non-human Primates

The thesis investigates the neuronal mechanisms causing perceptual learning of biological actions and associated adult brain plasticity in rhesus macaques. It studies cortical plasticity by comparing sensory representations before and after plasticity-inducing events, or by comparing trained versus untrained stimuli, with the help of state-of-the-art functional MRI imaging and electrophysiology recording. Learning-induced plasticity will be followed throughout the entire process by tracking the activity of single neurons which is especially challenging in primates. An interdisciplinary approach will be used involving refined correlational and genetic-based causal methods. The proposed research will reveal fundamental principles underlying adult brain plasticity, which may ultimately improve rehabilitation of patients with neural impairments or enhance performance of elderly.