Dr. Albert Cardona

Biography

Professor Albert Cardona leads research at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, focusing on understanding the whole brain function. His lab tackles the challenge of the brain's pervasive interconnectivity by mapping neuronal connections and identifying individual neurons that influence specific behaviors. Employing cutting-edge technologies such as serial electron microscopy, the lab has generated synaptic wiring diagrams of fruit fly larva brains to formulate hypotheses on circuit function and to construct computational models that reflect observed behaviors. The research extends to deep learning areas such as sensory and motor systems, associative memories, and spatial learning. With a collaborative approach, Cardona's work generates neural-behavior maps that prioritize different neurons for further study. His contributions are supported by a range of advanced genetic tools for targeted manipulation and monitoring of neural activities in Drosophila, enabling insights into high-order neuronal functions. Cardona also plays a crucial role in education as a lecturer on neuroscience modules and serves as a Senior Editor for the journal eLife and as a group leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology.

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