We are using patch clamp electrophysiology to study cellular markers of synaptic plasticity - how synapses change in response to natural rewards and addictive substances. With this technique, we get access to all synapses of a given neuron and can measure its synaptic strength, the probability of neurotransmitter release, and (indirectly) the number of synapses. We can also detect the presence of silent synapses.

We are using two-photon calcium imaging to study in real-time the activity of amygdalar neurons upon exposure to natural and addictive rewards. 

By visualizing protein markers we look at types of brain cells that participate in the learning processes. We can observe markers that are specific to cell activation or visualizing a particular cell type or subcellular process.

We use behavioral tools to measure plasticity processes such as short and long-term memory or preference towards specific rewards. By observing changes in mouse behavior we can infer about altered plasticity processes.