The Hakubi Project

   We learn through various experiences and store the information as memories in our brains. We then retrieve these memories when we need them. We are performing this process very naturally in our daily lives, but this is actually an amazing biological ability. This ability is essential for wild animals to survive as well as for our cognitive activity (mind). Therefore, the dysfunction of this ability leads to severe impairments in our lives.

   To reveal the underlying mechanism of learning and memory, many neuroscientists in the world are investigating these issues using various model animals such as nematode, fruit flies, monkeys, and humans. In this seminar, by sharing some examples from my study, I will introduce current topics utilizing mice as the model animal. My talk will especially focus on how to tie an extremely elusive phenomenon like memory to substantial molecular-based phenomenon.