João Couto

Altered Use of Prior Expectations and Modified Neural Dynamics in a Mouse Model of Autism

This study examines how Nrxn1 loss-of-function affects prior utilization and neural dynamics in a mouse model of autism, revealing impaired decision-making and altered cortical activity.

Specific anterior-posterior brain-wide input patterns support specialized visuospatial processing in the mouse retrosplenial cortex

The paper identifies distinct anterior-posterior subregions in the mouse retrosplenial cortex specialized for different visuospatial processing tasks.

Anterior cingulate cortex mixes retrospective cognitive signals and ongoing movement signatures during decision-making

The paper shows that ACC neurons in mice encode trial history independently of movement signals during decision-making.

DREDge: robust motion correction for high-density extracellular recordings across species

DREDge improves motion correction in high-density extracellular recordings across species, enhancing reliability and reducing errors in electrophysiological data.

A failure to discriminate social from non-social touch at the circuit level may underlie social avoidance in autism

The paper investigates neural responses to social and non-social touch in mice, finding that autism model mice (Fmr1 KO) fail to distinguish social from non-social touch at the circuit level, potentially contributing to social avoidance.

Large scale, simultaneous, chronic neural recordings from multiple brain areas

The paper introduces a method for chronic, simultaneous neural recordings from multiple brain areas in mice, enabling long-term and flexible monitoring of neural activity during behavior.

Brain-wide projections and differential encoding of prefrontal neuronal classes underlying learned and innate threat avoidance

The paper maps brain-wide projections of mPFC neurons and identifies their specialized roles in threat avoidance using new computational tools.

Spontaneous movements and their impact on neural activity fluctuate with latent engagement states

The paper shows that neural activity variance during disengagement in mice is driven by spontaneous movements not tied to task events, revealing a hidden neural signature of disengagement.

Neuroscience Cloud Analysis As a Service

This paper introduces a cloud-based platform that provides automated, reproducible, and accessible data analysis tools for neuroscience, improving efficiency and reducing infrastructure barriers.