The Evolution of the Hippocampus and Adult Neurogenesis: Novel Insights into the Origins of Human Memory (The George Washington University, Washington, DC) (aug 1, 2013 – may 15, 2017)

Description:

The hippocampus subserves long-term memory and spatial navigation in many species, but only in humans does it additionally mediate episodic memory and imagination. By investigating the evolution of the hippocampus and adult hippocampal neurogenesis across primates at the levels of neuroanatomy, whole-transcriptome gene expression, and genotype, I sought to elucidate the neurobiological basis underlying human-specific cognitive abilities as well as our unique vulnerability to hippocampus-degrading neurological diseases.