Mark F. Bear

Tuning metaplasticity in the adult visual cortex using flickering light

This study shows that different flicker frequencies can tune metaplasticity in the adult mouse visual cortex to promote distinct forms of synaptic plasticity, including recovery from monocular deprivation.

Using the visual cliff and pole descent assays to detect binocular disruption in mice

This study evaluates two behavioral assays to detect binocular dysfunction in mice, finding that the Pole Descent Cliff Task is more sensitive than the Visual Cliff Assay for detecting stereoscopic deficits.

A human electrophysiological biomarker of Fragile X Syndrome is shared in V1 of Fmr1 KO mice and caused by loss of FMRP in cortical excitatory neurons

The paper identifies a shared electrophysiological biomarker of Fragile X Syndrome in human and mouse models, showing slowed alpha oscillations linked to FMRP loss in excitatory neurons.

Cortical responses to conflicting binocular stimuli in mouse primary visual cortex

The paper investigates how different types of binocular disparities affect neural responses in mouse primary visual cortex, finding distinct circuit mechanisms for phase and orientation conflicts.

Non-ionotropic signaling through the NMDA receptor GluN2B carboxy terminal domain drives morphological plasticity of dendritic spines and reverses fragile X phenotypes in mouse hippocampus

Electrophysiological signatures of visual recognition memory across all layers of mouse V1

The paper investigates electrophysiological changes in mouse V1 during visual recognition memory, showing that NMDAR in L6 principal neurons are critical for SRP and revealing layer-specific responses to familiar stimuli.

The Impact of Brief Monocular Retinal Inactivation on the Central Visual System During Postnatal Development

This study shows that brief monocular inactivation can significantly alter neural structures in the visual pathway beyond the typical critical period for ocular dominance plasticity, offering potential for treating amblyopia.

mGluR5 Negative Modulators for Fragile X: Resistance and Persistence

This study investigates treatment resistance to mGluR5 NAMs in FXS model mice and shows that brief treatment during a critical period can lead to long-term cognitive improvements.

Correction of amblyopia in cats and mice after the critical period

This study shows that temporarily inactivating the non-deprived eye can restore vision in amblyopia in cats and mice beyond the critical period.

The spatiotemporal organization of experience dictates hippocampal involvement in primary visual cortical plasticity

This study shows that the hippocampus is involved in sequence plasticity in primary visual cortex but not in low-level recognition memory in mice.

Visual recognition is heralded by shifts in local field potential oscillations and inhibitory networks in primary visual cortex

The paper shows that learning to recognize visual stimuli in mice alters local field potential oscillations and inhibitory neuron activity in primary visual cortex, with changes in low and high frequency power reflecting familiarity and novelty.

The immediate early gene Arc is not required for hippocampal long-term potentiation.

This study investigates the role of the Arc gene in hippocampal long-term potentiation and finds that Arc is not required for LTP maintenance, suggesting alternative mechanisms for memory storage.

Precision calcium imaging of dense neural populations via a cell body-targeted calcium indicator

The paper develops cell body-targeted calcium indicators to improve signal fidelity in one-photon imaging of neural activity in live mice and zebrafish.

Arc Restores Juvenile Plasticity In Adult Mouse Visual Cortex

This study shows that increasing Arc expression in adult mice restores juvenile-like plasticity in the visual cortex, suggesting Arc plays a key role in age-related declines in neural plasticity.