Old brain cells perform new tricks to allow life-long learning
Description: In the brain, nerve cells transmit electrical signals more quickly and reliably when they are insulated. The insulating cells undergo small adaptive changes that speed up information transfer during learning, and the faster the electrical signal, the better the learning outcomes. This project aims to understand the signals that direct insulating cells to adapt and support life-long learning. In the longer term, this knowledge may be used to: develop interventions that improve learning and educational outcomes; counteract age-related memory decline and enable longer work force participation; develop strategies to circumvent the memory loss caused by brain diseases, or improve the design of computer hardware.
Funder: Australian Research Council
Amount: A$463,600
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: Discovery Projects
Start date: 2022-01-01
End date: 2025-12-31
Investigator: Kaylene Young
Institution: University of Tasmania
Funded outputs count: 2
Funder award ID: DP220100100
OpenAlex ID: G7326015802