The Bloss Lab
The Bloss Lab leverages high resolution imaging strategies with activity and genetic perturbations of specific neurons in behaving mice to define how the synaptic architecture of neural circuits supports goal-directed behavior.
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The brain is the most powerful computational device known. How do connections between brain cell support these functions? Our past work has demonstrated that genetically or anatomically defined neurons are connected in remarkably precise ways, promoting certain computations over others. The overarching goal of present work in the lab is to discover how these wiring patterns are shaped by experience or disease, and how they relate to learning and memory function. We use advanced imaging techniques to define synaptic connectivity between specific cell types. We also use viral, genetic, and chemogenetic strategies to relate activity patterns or molecules in specific cell types to the behavioral performance of mice in goal-directed tasks. Collaborations within and outside The Jackson Laboratory will allow us to leverage our neuroanatomical and genetic strengths with additional techniques to identify the broader principles by which cognition emerges from underlying brain circuitry.
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Search MagazineDecember 08, 2021The translator: Rob Burgess is working to bring basic research to the clinic
From mouse model to gene therapy, Rob Burgess is working to translate basic research to the clinic. -
Research HighlightNovember 25, 2021New insights into the biology of ecDNAs
Extrachromosomal DNA elements (ecDNAs) are frequently detected in cancer and drive activation of oncogenes (cancer-promoting genes) via increased gene expression. -
Research HighlightNovember 19, 2021Exploring the functional genetic diversity of wild mice
Researchers are working to broaden the genetic diversity of mice used in biomedical research. -
Research HighlightNovember 10, 2021Using rabies to track the neural circuitry underlying behavior
Understanding how we use our brain to make decisions is a daunting task, given our brain's extensive webs of neural wiring and circuitry. Now, JAX researchers are using a surprising tool to investigate goal-directed behaviors: the rabies virus.
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Featured ArticleDecember 07, 2021Roel Verhaak is closing the circle to improve brain cancer care
To improve glioma treatments, the tumors have to be attacked from every angle, and Roel Verhaak is working on multiple fronts to bring better care and outcomes to patients who now have nowhere to turn. -
Blog PostNovember 23, 2021Navigating precision medicine in cancer
With genomic tumor testing, a negative result is not always definitive. In some cases a genomic variant can be present but not detected by the specific testing platform. Tests vary significantly and have different limitations, which impacts how results can and should be used for making treatment decisions. -
Featured ArticleNovember 11, 2021JAX Supports Genome in Me Permanent Exhibition at Connecticut Science Center
The Connecticut Science Center recently launched a new permanent exhibition, Genome in Me, that focuses on how DNA reveals hidden worlds of information that can be used to better understand our species, our ancestry, evolution, health care, forensics, and more. -
Profile StoryNovember 09, 2021Using next-gen technology to explore how aging raises the risk for leukemia
JAX's Sheng Li is exploring how aging raises the risk for leukemia, and works to improve cutting edge tools for data analysis.