John Simmers

Frequency modulation of organelle calcium-dependent voltage oscillations: an essential memory trace produced by operant conditioning in Aplysia

The paper shows that operant reward-learning increases the cycle frequency of calcium oscillations in Aplysia neurons, forming a memory trace for learned motor behavior.

Sodium-mediated plateau potentials in an identified decisional neuron contribute to feeding-related motor pattern genesis in Aplysia

The paper identifies sodium-mediated plateau potentials in Aplysia's decision neuron B63 that drive feeding-related motor patterns through distinct ionic mechanisms.

Microglia shape the embryonic development of mammalian respiratory networks

This study shows that microglia are essential for proper development of respiratory circuits in the mouse brainstem, as their absence leads to abnormal breathing rhythms and neonatal death.

Organelle calcium-derived voltage oscillations in pacemaker neurons drive food-seeking behavior in Aplysia

The paper identifies an intrinsic pacemaker mechanism in Aplysia neurons that drives food-seeking behavior through calcium-derived voltage oscillations.

Functional limb muscle innervation prior to cholinergic transmitter specification during early metamorphosis in Xenopus

The paper shows that limb motoneurons in Xenopus develop functional connections with muscles before acquiring cholinergic transmitter properties, using glutamate-based synapses initially.