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Faculty Profile Last Modified Time: 10:12:11 AM Mon, 7 Jun 2021   Contact Information Douglas Baxter Associated Profiles  Adjunct Professor, Neurobiology & Anatomy, UT Health Science Center at Houston     douglas.baxter@uth.tmc.edu     713.500.5565    Web Link    Aplysia, Neurons, Operant Conditioning, Serotonin, Sensory Receptor Cells, Classical Conditioning, Action Potentials, Cheek    Associated Profiles Research and Expertise Appointments  Research and Expertise Research Interests   A set of fundamental issues in neuroscience concerns the neural mechanisms underlying behavior and behavioral plasticity (e.g., learning). It is generally believed that the ability of the nervous system to generate behaviors arises from the organization of neurons into circuits and that the functional capabilities of these circuits emerge from the interactions among the intrinsic biophysical properties of individual neurons, the pattern of synaptic connections among these neurons and the physiological properties of the synaptic connections. To adapt to an ever changing environment, the performance of these neural circuits must be modified, either by feedback occurring during the behavior or by previous experience. Our laboratory uses two approaches, one computational and the other experimental, to investigate how neural circuits are organized, what principles underlie their function, and the consequences of sensory inputs and of modulatory influences. Empirical studies utilize the marine mollusc Aplysia, which has a relatively simple nervous system with large, identifiable neurons that are accessible for detailed anatomical, biophysical and biochemical analyses. Computational studies utilize a program entitled "Simulator for Neural Networks and Action Potentials (SNNAP)", which is a general-purpose tool for the rapid development and simulation of realistic models of neurons and neural networks. Currently, we are examining two neural circuits, one mediating a defensive withdrawal reflex and another mediating feeding behaviors. Such analyses of relatively simple neural circuits can contribute substantially to an understanding of basic principles that underlie functions of more complex neural systems.  Publications/Creative Works Click here to search for this faculty member's publications on PubMed.  Appointments Title Department / School Institution Adjunct Professor Neurobiology and Anatomy UT Health Science Center Houston

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