Presented by Manuel F. Casanova, M.D., Gottfried and Gisela Kolb Endowed Chair in Psychiatry and Associate Chair for Research, University of Louisville
The cortex is a complex system made up of hierarchically arranged modules called minicolumns. Connectivity between these modules provide for the emergence of higher cognitive properties. Autopsy and neuroimaging data suggest an abnormality of these modular arrangements in autism. More specifically, the inhibitory surround of minicolumns appears impaired thus resulting in a hyperexcitable cortex and a bias in the signal to noise ratio accrued to information processing. Therapeutic interventions aimed at increasing the inhibitory tone of minicolumns by using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) have yielded promising results.
Date: Friday, August 28, 2009
Time: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Contact: Amy Davis
Location: 3760 Warnock Engineering Building
Wow, that is fascinating work. I wish I could attend, but I have to pick up Suresh from the airport and take Aditya to a swimming lesson. Maybe I could meet him, pretty please????? And thanks for posting the abstract on his talk.
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