Perceptual suppression mechanisms in the Drosophila brain (2011-2014)

Selective attention requires effective suppression of distracting stimuli, presumably to allow for learning and behavioural adaptation. How the brain suppresses perception is unclear. We will investigate three forms of perceptual suppression: selective attention (Aim1), sleep (Aim2), and general anaesthesia (Aim3). Using a genetic model, the fly Drosophila melanogaster, we will determine whether suppression mechanisms share common processes among these three phenomena. For each aim we will use powerful genetic tools unique to Drosophila research, in our novel behavioural and brain recording paradigms. Our strategy provides a revolutionary approach to understanding fundamental mechanisms underlying conscious perception.