14/11/24
Dr Maria Jose Conde-Dusman from the Rico lab at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology has been awarded a prestigious Early Career Award from the Wellcome Trust for her innovative research plans investigating neural plasticity. Her project, titled the ‘Influence of Early-Life Sensory Experience in the Shaping of Cortical Ensembles’, aims to uncover how sensory experiences in early life rule adult behavioural outcomes. This work, using cutting-edge techniques and collaborating with leading international laboratories, is poised to significantly enhance our understanding of the assembly of neuronal networks and how early experiences shape cognitive outcomes.
Research has shown that sensory experiences can significantly impact neuronal networks in the developing brain, although we don’t yet understand how this happens. By investigating how interneurons respond to enriched sensory experiences, Dr Conde-Dusman’s research will shed light on the mechanisms at play and how these changes can influence behaviour all the way into adulthood. Using advanced experimental techniques, including spatial multi-omics and computational neuroscience, the project will map the cellular and molecular transformations within the cortex, a key area involved in sensory processing and learning.
Dr Conde-Dusman’s interdisciplinary research holds exciting promise for breakthroughs in understanding the role of early life experiences in brain development and mental health. Her findings will make valuable contributions to the field, improving our understanding of how enriching environments can support healthy brain development and resilience.
