Bourne
Development and maturation of
the cerebral cortex
The primary focus of the group is the development and maturation of
the cerebral cortex of primates and other mammals. The adult cerebral
cortex is formed as a mosaic of interconnected areas, but how the
multiple of areas emerge seamlessly during ontogenesis and establish
connections with other brain areas has yet to be determined.
In order
to address these issues, the laboratory has been focussing on the
development of the visual cortex, which includes areas that are
responsible for visual perception and visual guidance of behaviour.
Understanding the early development of this important region will
elucidate mechanisms that are relevant not only for understanding
normal brain function, but also for clarifying the functional bases of
disturbances of visual perception that emerge as a consequence of
perinatal lesions (eg those associated with premature delivery,
complications during labour, childhood accidents), abnormal visual
experience in childhood, and neurological diseases.
For more information on the research undertaken by this group or for
enquiries regarding positions for researchers or students please
contact James Bourne |
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Click here to download an overview of the Bourne Group |
Information on the Bourne Group can also be found at:
www.neurorepair.net