Francis Lab

The Francis lab studies cortical activity and auditory task performance in mice. We use genetic tools that enable imaging and optical manipulation of the brain. We use psychedelic drugs as tools to study  the neural basis of altered perception. We collect neural data using multi-channel electrophysiology, 2-photon imaging, and widefield imaging—each integrated with a behavioral interface for operant conditioning (positive reinforcement). We build and operate automated systems for operant conditioning in the mouse home-cage. These methods produce rich datasets, which we then analyze to describe how cortical mechanisms enable listening during auditory task performance.