Lecture on Research Methods in Neuroscience

Introduction

• Neuroscience aims to understand the relationship between brain structure and function.
• It is synonymous with biological psychology and psychobiology.
• Focuses on anatomical structures and behavioral correlates.

Categories of Research Methods

1. Behavioral Effects of Nervous System Damage/Dysfunction

   • Studies impaired behaviors after brain area damage.

2. Effects of Brain Stimulation

   • Examines increased behavior due to stimulation.

3. Recording Brain Activity During Behavior

   • Compares brain activity during task performance vs. no task or comparison task.

4. Correlation Between Brain Anatomy and Behavior

   • Studies abnormal behaviors and corresponding brain structure abnormalities.

Historical Context

• Paul Broca (1861): Discovered language production impairments linked to damage in the left frontal cortex (Broca’s area).

Techniques for Studying Brain Damage

• Ablation Procedure: Surgical removal of brain parts in lab animals.
• Lesion Technique: Electrical currents damage specific brain areas using a stereotaxic instrument.
• Sham Lesion: Control method without brain damage.

Modern Techniques

• Chemical Injection: Targets neurons while sparing passing axons.
• Gene Knockout: Selective genetic mutation affecting neurons or neurotransmitters.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Non-invasive brain stimulation creating temporary lesions.

Brain Stimulation Techniques

• Optogenetics: Developed in 2009
  • Uses light to control neuron groups with precise timing.
  • Involves:
    1. Protein responsive to light.
    2. Virus to insert proteins into neurons.
    3. Optical fibers to deliver light.

Recording Brain Activity

• Intracranial Recording: Implants electrodes in animal brains to record single neurons.
• Electroencephalography (EEG): Measures electrical activity via scalp electrodes.
• Magnetoencephalography (MEG): Records magnetic fields generated by brain activity.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Uses radioactive glucose to image active brain areas.
• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): Detects hemoglobin activity in blood during tasks.

Correlating Brain Anatomy with Behavior

• Computerized Axial Tomography (CT): Uses x-rays and dye to image brain structure.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses electromagnetic energy to create detailed brain images.
  • Limitations include discomfort and non-suitability for certain individuals.

Conclusion

• End of the video on research methods in neuroscience.