Our group investigates the dynamics of neural systems— “Neural Dynamics”. Our work spans from pathological hyperexcitability to the neural encoding of memory.

As a clinically based group, we're particularly interested in how drugs such as antiepileptics and antipsychotics alter brain activity — and how they can sometimes disrupt it and cause seizures.

Our techniques range from high-resolution molecular dynamic modelling of drug-ion channel interactions using supercomputers, to the analysis of brain wave patterns in awake and alert animals.

The core method we use is electrophysiology, especially patch-clamp recordings, allowing us to capture real-time single neurons in both isolated single-cells or in live neural networks, in vivo or in vitro. Additionally, we try to interface our electrophysiological data with computer models using the “Neuron” simulator or Matlab.

We’re also expanding our electrophysiological techniques with “neuro-optical” methods, including “miniscopes” which allows visualisation of hundreds of active cells in freely moving animals, and recording from human brain cells derived obtained during neurosurgery.

A growing focus of our lab is how brain tumours affect brain function, and their role the induction of often debilitating seizures. We’ve developed an in vitro model to observe the how tumour cells invade healthy tissues and lead to the development of epileptic activity.