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Neurons
George Mason University
Events

Upcoming Events

Dec1

Thesis Defense - Benjamina Arthur, Biology MS

Dec 1, 2025, 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Dec1

Neuroscience Seminar: Dr. Rebekah Evans (Georgetown Univ)

Dec 1, 2025, 4:00 - 5:00 PM

KB 229

Dec2

IDIA Industry Day

Dec 2, 2025, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Fuse at Mason Square

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Neuroscience Seminar: Dr. Rebekah Evans (Georgetown Univ)

Dec 1, 2025, 4:00 - 5:00 PM

KB 229

IPN PhD Alum Dr. Rebekah Evans will give a research talk on Mon, 12/1 @ 4pm in Krasnow 229

"Non-canonical Brain Circuits Controlling Movement and Valence."

The basal ganglia control movement and valence (reward and aversion) processing through connections to the cortex. We have recently identified and characterized a novel non-canonical output pathway from part of the basal ganglia directly to the brainstem. We found that optogenetically stimulating this novel pathway directly inhibits movement and is rewarding. Using optogenetics and whole cell electrophysiology, we have identified the specific cell types within the brainstem pedunculopontine nucleus that receive this input from the basal ganglia. 

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