Organization profile

Organisation Profile

Our ability to see in vastly varying conditions depends critically on the outstanding performance of vision. Vision begins in the neural circuits of the retina, which operates with a remarkable fidelity. We study novel signal processing mechanisms and their adaptive dynamics at the synaptic and cellular-element level across the entire neural circuit of the retina. We do so by combining a battery of techniques allowing precise manipulations of local signal and noise statistics in a well-defined retinal circuit relying on genetically modified mice, molecularly tailored artificial visual pigment molecules, and cutting- edge electrophysiological recording techniques. We seek to understand the functional implications of novel retinal signal processing mechanisms by correlating our results with the output of the entire visual system measured in mouse behavioral experiments and human psychophysics experiments.

For further information please see our website.

More group members

International and National Collaboration Publications and projects within past five years.

Profiles

Sanna Koskela

sanna.koskela@helsinki.fi

Person: UH, Teaching and research personnel

Publications 1999 2017

18 Article
1 Conference contribution
1 Doctoral Thesis
1 Master's thesis

Rods progressively escape saturation to drive visual responses in daylight conditions

Tikidji-Hamburyan, A., Reinhard, K., Storchi, R., Dietter, J., Seitter, H., Davis, K. E., Idrees, S., Mutter, M., Walmsley, L., Bedford, R. A., Ueffing, M., Ala-Laurila, P., Brown, T. M., Lucas, R. J. & Muench, T. A., 27 Nov 2017, In : Nature Communications. 8, 17 p., 1813.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review

Open Access

File

The dual rod system of amphibians supports colour discrimination at the absolute visual threshold

Yovanovich, C. A. M., Koskela, S. M., Nevala, N., Kondrashev, S. L., Kelber, A. & Donner, K., 5 Apr 2017, In : Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. Biological Sciences. 372, 1717, 10 p., 20160066.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review

Open Access

File

Vision at its sensitivity limit: Linking neural circuit function with behavior

Smeds, L. K., Takeshita, D., Turunen, T. A. I., Tiihonen, J. & Ala-Laurila, P. J., 2016, (In preparation) Unknown host publication. 110

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › Scientific

Melatonin Suppression by Light in Humans Is More Sensitive Than Previously Reported

Vartanian, G. V., Li, B. Y., Chervenak, A. P., Walch, O. J., Pack, W., Ala-Laurila, P. & Wong, K. Y., Aug 2015, In : Journal of Biological Rhythms. 30, 4, p. 351-354 4 p.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review