Pepe Alcami
Neurobiological computations and natural behavior
Our research aims at understanding the link between computations in nervous systems and natural behavior.
For it, we investigate highly-specialized neural circuits that evolved in animals to carry specific functions. These allow us to investigate the biophysical and physiological mechanisms that nervous systems have resorted to in order to implement specific computations. Most of our experiments are performed in songbirds, a beautiful model to link brains and the learning and production of a highly-precise complex motor skill: singing. Birdsong is fascinating: it is culturally transmitted and it has known ecologically-relevant functions, that we study in their natural social context. We study their nervous systems at multiple levels, from synapses, cells and networks to the communication between brain regions.
If you want to know more about us, please visit our lab's webpage!: http://pepealcami.com/