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David McCormick

 

Neuroscience

Professor of Neurobiology

Education

Ph.D. Stanford University 1983

Research Interests

Our laboratory investigates the cellular and network mechanisms of cortical function using a variety of in vitro and in vivo approaches, from patch clamp recording in vivo to two photon microscopy in vitro. Recently, we have discovered that intracortical synaptic communication operates through both an analog and digital mode. We are currently investigating the mechanisms by which axons and synapses may operate in this regime. Additional topics we are investigating are Recurrent Networks and their potential contribution to Gain Modulation, Working Memory, and Attention. In addition, we examine Visual Cortical receptive field mechanisms and fast plasticity. Finally, we also are investigating the mechanisms of cortical dynamics in the vibrissal system of the awake animal. Together, our studies span from the sub-cellular, through the cellular and local network, all the way to the awake behaving animal in an effort to understand the cellular and network mechanisms of cortical function and dysfunction.

Links

• McCormick Homepage

Recent Publications

• Shu, Y., Hasenstaub, A., Duque, A., Yu, Y., and McCormick, D.A. (2006). Modulation of intracortical synaptic potentials by presynaptic somatic membrane potential. Nature 441:761-765.
• Hasenstaub, A., Shu, Y., Haider, B., Kraushaar, U., Duque, A., and McCormick, D.A. (2005). Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials carry synchronized frequency information in active cortical networks. Neuron 47:423-435.

Contact

E-mail
david.mccormick@yale.edu