Petri Ala-Laurila recognised as the Neuroscientist of the Year
NBE researcher honoured for work on how the retina processes light
Ala-Laurila Lab
Our ability to see in vastly varying conditions depends critically on the outstanding performance of vision. Vision begins in the neural circuits of the retina, which operate with a remarkable fidelity.
Our Goal
... is to utilize the neural circuits of the retina to reveal fundamental principles of neural computations at quantal resolution.
Research Overview
Our ability to see in vastly varying conditions depends critically on the outstanding performance of vision. Vision begins in the neural circuits of the retina, which operate with a remarkable fidelity. We study novel signal processing mechanisms and their adaptive dynamics at the synaptic and cellular-element level across the entire neural circuit of the retina. We do so by combining a battery of techniques allowing precise manipulations of local signal and noise statistics in a well-defined retinal circuit relying on genetically modified mice, molecularly tailored artificial visual pigment molecules, and cutting- edge electrophysiological recording techniques. We seek to understand the functional implications of novel retinal signal processing mechanisms by correlating our results with the output of the entire visual system measured in mouse behavioral experiments and human psychophysics experiments.
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Centre for Quantum Engineering funding awarded for four projects
A total of EUR 318 000 has been granted for project proposals that represent new openings, support emergence of new technologies, applications, and/or industrial collaboration.
Petri Ala-Laurila: The retina offers a pathway to the secrets of the brain
This Professor, awarded for his scientific courage, knows that it’s worth going after the big “fish” even if you don’t always catch it.
Not blinded by the light: Rods in the retina contribute to daylight vision
Findings of international research team may be beneficial in the search for new treatments for patients suffering from loss of photopic vision.
Aalto University receives almost 5,7 million euros key project funding from the Academy of Finland
The funding is especially geared towards early-career researchers.
Petri Ala-Laurila receives 2014 Academy of Finland Award
Petri Ala-Laurila, one of Finland's most promising young biophysicists, is conducting research on the processing of visual data in neural circuits.
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