Special Events and Receptions

  • 10/29 Neuroscience-Storrs 2018

    You are Invited to Attend the Activites for Neuroscience-Storrs 2018 Starting at 2:30 pm on October 29:

    Dodd Konover Auditrium:

    2:30 -4:00 pm Data Blitz

    4:00-5:30 Keynote Lecture by Kay Tye, Associate Professor, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT

                    "Neural Circuit Mechisms of Valence Processing"

    Bousfield Atrium:

    5:30-7:00 pm Reception and Poster Session

     

    KEYNOTE LECTURE

    Kay Tye, Associate Professor

    Brain & Cognitive Sciences, MIT

    Title, “Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Valence Processing”

    Abstract: How do our brains determine whether something is good or bad? How is this computational goal implemented in biological systems? Given the critical importance of valence processing for survival, the brain has evolved multiple strategies to solve this problem at different levels. The psychological concept of “emotional valence” is now beginning to find grounding in neuroscience. This review aims to bridge the gap between psychology and neuroscience on the topic of emotional valence processing. Here, Dr. Tye  highlights a subset of studies that serve to illustrate each motif across multiple systems. The motifs Dr. Tye identifies as being important in valence processing include: 1) Labeled lines, 2) Divergent Paths, 3) Opposing Components, and 4) Neuromodulatory Gain. Importantly, the functionality of neural substrates in valence processing is dynamic, context-dependent, and changing across short and long time scales due to synaptic plasticity, competing mechanisms, and homeostatic need.

    For more information, contact: Deb Kendall at x1891