creativity and extraordinary cognition
In our studies of the mechanistic underpinnings of extraordinary problem solving, we have genetically engineered different strains of mice with dramatic enhancements in learning and memory.
Understanding how to engineer enhancements in learning and memory will be key to understanding extraordinary problem solving. Iinsights into extraordinary learning and memory will lead us a step closer to a mechanistic understanding of the biological processes responsible for historically creative achievements.
Insights into extraordinary cognition may also lead to general treatments of cognitive deficits.
Key Publications:
Kushner, S.A., Y. Elgersma, G.G. Murphy, D. Jaarsma, G.M. van Woerden, M.R. Hojjati, Y. Cui, J.C. LeBoutillier, D.F. Marrone, E.S. Choi, C.I. De Zeeuw, T.L. Petit, L. Pozzo-Miller, and A.J. Silva, Modulation of presynaptic plasticity and learning by the H-ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/synapsin I signaling pathway. J Neurosci, 2005. 25(42): p. 9721-34. (PDF)
Elgersma, Y., N. Fedorov, S. Ikonen, E. Choi, M. Elgersma, O. Carvalho, K. Giese, and A. Silva, Inhibitory autophosphorylation of CaMKII controls PSD association, plasticity and learning. Neuron, 2002. 36(3): p. 493-505.(PDF)
Murphy GG, Fedorov NB, Giese KP, Ohno M, Friedman E, Chen R, Silva AJ. Increased neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and learning in aged Kvbeta1.1 knockout mice. Curr Biol. 2004 Nov 9;14(21):1907-15.(PDF)