Optical Imaging Lab

@ Ruhr University Bochum

Our research focuses on processing dynamics within the brain

We investigate the brain's capacities for plastic reorganization and learning. We use optical imaging techniques combined with modelling to decipher computational strategies of neural networks leading to perception and behavior. Optical imaging is unique in its capability of capturing activity of millions of neurons at once using light (for a review see "VSDI: a new era in functional imaging of cortical dynamics" and our contribution therein). In combination with optogenetics (i.e., light stimulation and recordings of specific target neurons and neuronal subnetworks) our approach provides access to theoretical and experimental questions dealing with the highly dynamic activity patterns across the brain.

How a single receptor-type modulates sensory gain across cortical circuits

Neuromodulators influence the brain's global state and therefore all processing streams. In this study we show how a specific serotonin receptor (5-HT2A) controls gain of visual input without affecting ongoing brain broadcasts.

Press release, Pressemitteilung (english, deutsch)

Published online in Nature Communications

Press & Media

From individual receptors towards whole-brain function

The "receptome" - new approaches for computer models, diagnostics and therapy.

With colleagues from Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona and Oxfo…

Bernstein Newsletter

Press Release - Enhancing brain plasticity through strong magnetic waves

At early stages of cortical processing, specific stimulus characteristic…

Selected Publications

Jancke D (2017).

Catching the voltage gradient — Asymmetric boost of cortical spread generates motion signals across visual cortex: a brief review with special thanks to Amiram Grinvald.

Neurophoton 4(3): 031206. doi: 10.1117/1.NPh.4.3.031206.

Vladislav Kozyrev, Robert Staadt, Ulf T. Eysel, Dirk Jancke (2018).

TMS-induced neuronal plasticity enables targeted remodeling of visual cortical maps

Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 115: 6476-6481. (open access)

Rekauzke S, Nortmann N, Staadt R, Hock HS, Schöner G, Jancke D (2016).

Temporal asymmetry in dark-bright processing initiates propagating activity across primary visual cortex.

J Neuroscience 36: 1902-1913. doi: 10.1523/NEUROSCI.3235-15.2016 (Open Access)

All Peer-reviewed Publications

Prof. Dr. Dirk Jancke

Institut für Neuroinformatik
Ruhr University Bochum
44780 Bochum
Germany

Phone Office: +49(0)234-32-28967
Phone: +49(0)234-32-27845
E-Mail: dirk.jancke@rub.de, orcidID

  • Vice Speaker - Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 874
  • Vice Speaker - Research Dept. of Neuroscience (RDN) Ruhr University Bochum
  • Executive Board, PhD Committee, Study Commission - International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN)
  • International School of Biosciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology
  • Directorate - Institute of Neural Computation (INI)

The Institut für Neuroinformatik (INI) is a central research unit of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. We aim to understand the fundamental principles through which organisms generate behavior and cognition while linked to their environments.

Read more about INI