How does the brain adapt to new challenges?

Our goal is to understand how neurons in the brain flexibly control skilled sequential behaviors — such as typing an e-mail or sketching a portrait. To carry out such actions, the brain must weave together individual movement elements into a coherent whole. We study crows and their brains to uncover the neuronal foundations and evolution of complex behaviors — like tool use — that lie at the intersection of cognition and fine motor control.

We are a team led by Felix Moll at the University of Tübingen, affiliated with the lab of Andreas Nieder.