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Neuromodulatory Systems and Cognition Lab

  • Basic Neuroscience

Dr Nima Khalighinejad

By combining techniques ranging from computational modelling and neuroimaging to pharmacology and non-invasive brain stimulation, we aim to uncover the mechanisms through which neuromodulatory systems and their interactions drive learning, decision-making, and motivation in both humans and animal models.

  • Computational Modelling of Behaviour
    We develop computational models to understand how changes in behaviour are linked to activity within neuromodulatory systems. For example, we recently applied a general linear hidden Markov model (GLM-HMM) to identify transitions in motivational states in non-human primates.
  • Neuroimaging
    Using advanced neuroimaging in both humans and non-human primates, we relate activity in neuromodulatory nuclei to behaviour. Our work leverages 3T and ultra–high-field 7T fMRI, as well as magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). For instance, we recently showed that activity in the human dorsal raphe nucleus — the brain’s main serotonergic centre — is associated with changes in behavioural policy.
  • Psychopharmacology
    Through systemic neuropharmacological interventions, we examine the causal relationships between major neuromodulatory systems and cognition. Our studies have shown, for example, that manipulating the brain’s cholinergic and serotonergic systems has opposite effects on decisions about when to initiate an action.
  • Neurostimulation with TUS
    We employ non-invasive transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to causally manipulate activity in neuromodulatory nuclei. Recently, we demonstrated that disrupting activity in the dorsal raphe nucleus reduces sensitivity to reward contexts and perturbs transitions in motivational states.
  • Targeted Drug Delivery with TUS
    We also use TUS to transiently and non-invasively open the blood–brain barrier (BBB), enabling delivery of neuromodulatory agents such as serotonin and dopamine to specific brain regions. This approach allows us to investigate how precise modulation of these systems influences cognition and behaviour.

Opportunities

We welcome enquiries from potential PhD students or postdocs. Email nsclaboxford@gmail.com for more information.

Our team

Selected publications