Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience - Projects

Dynamic Modelling of Memory Disorders in Transient Epileptic Amnesia
Prof Peter Ashwin, School of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics; Prof Adam Zeman, Department of Neurology; Dr Aureliu Lavric + Prof Andy Wills, School of Psychology, University of Exeter, Dr John R Terry, Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol

Summary: The project will use mathematical modelling to gain insight into the role of neural synchrony in memory impairments in a group of patients with transient amnesia due to epilepsy arising from the temporal lobes. This research, which will involve neurologists, psychologists, mathematicians and cognitive neuroscientists, has the potential to illuminate mechanisms of memory formation and its disturbance by epilepsy, with implications for computational theories of memory, for nonlinear dynamics of cognitive systems, and for remediation and treatment of memory disturbance in patients with epilepsy. (more info)

The role of the Supplementary Motor Area (SMA) in syllable generation: an investigation using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Prof Chris Code, Dr Jacob Jolij, Dr Aureliu Lavric, School of Psychology, University of Exeter

Summary: The project, which will bring together a neuropsychologist and expert in phonological deficits (Prof Code) and two cognitive neuroscientists (Drs Jolij and Lavric), will investigate the anatomy of syllable generation, with the aim of understanding the anatomical and neurophysiological basis of stuttering. (more info)

SenseCam in memory research
Prof Adam Zeman, Department of Neurology

Summary: Adam Zeman is developing a collaborative project with Microsoft Research involving the application of an experimental, self-activated, camera, the SenseCam, in memory research. The aim is to use the images acquired in patients with memory deficits for development of testing materials, as well as a way to improving memory performance. (more info)

Exploring cognitive control in task-switching
Prof Stephen Monsell, Dr Aureliu Lavric, Dr Jacob Jolij, School of Psychology, University of Exeter

Summary: The project will investigate the behavioural and neurophysiological basis of cognitive flexibility and cognitive control in experimental paradigms that require frequent switching between the tasks to be executed. The current research is likely to benefit human factor engineers involved in designing multi-tasking environments, such as air-traffic control, scientists who study cognitive control, and clinicians who need diagnostic behavioural and brain measures of cognitive decline due to brain damage and/or ageing. (more info)