Projects
Condition-dependent song expression and mate choice behaviour in canaries (Serinus canaria). University of Antwerp
Study on the neural substrate of speech development using fMRI in the zebra finch model. University of Antwerp
Study on the Neural Substrates of Auditory Social Cues during Vocal Learning using fMRI in the Zebra Finch Model. University of Antwerp
Condition-dependent song expression and mate choice behaviour in canaries (Serinus canaria). University of Antwerp
Hormones and neuroplasticity: image guided discoveries of molecular mechanisms in neuroplasticity KU Leuven
During juvenile development, male songbirds exhibit a high amount of neuroplasticity in the brain regions responsible for song learning and production, called the 'song control nuclei'. Additionally, seasonal learners display a cycle of song control nucleus growth and regression throughout a year: song control nuclei increase in volume when the days get longer in early spring and regress again when days get shorter. Both neuroplastic ...
Hormones and neuroplasticity: image guided discoveries of molecular mechanisms in neuroplasticity (PLASTOSCINE). University of Antwerp
Hormones and neuroplasticity: image guided discoveries of molecular mechanisms in neuroplasticity Ghent University
In this project we address by a combination of in vivo imaging and molecular techniques the question how brain plasticity is regulated at the cellular level in two songbird models with different song learning and neuroplasticity characteristics. Our hypothesis is that hormones and the environment induce brain plasticity at least in part through epigenetic changes defined as alterations in gene expression that are self-perpetuating in the ...