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 People > FacultyMarcelo
Febo
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows us to inspect in vivo brain activation in response to a variety of cognitive, emotional and drug stimuli without disrupting the natural organization of the brain. Our work focuses on using various neuroimaging modalities to study the neural correlates of emotion and motivation in rodents. In one area of our research, we use maternal rodents as models for our studies of brain and behavior. During the postpartum period, mother rats develop a strong emotional and protective bond with pups as a consequence of neurobiological adaptations that occur during gestation. Presently we are investigating (i) the long term impact of chronic cocaine exposure on the maternal brain dopaminergic system, (ii) the role of brain oxytocin and vasopressin systems on maternal sensory cortical activity, and (iii) the specific roles of the medial prefrontal cortex on maternal motivation and emotion. Work from our current projects will contribute general knowledge on the neurobiology of addiction and depression.
PSY U606: Laboratory in Psychobiology (spring) Research Assistant: Ada Felix-Ortiz
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Research