The core objective of neuroscience is to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying perception, behavior, and consciousness. Using various model organisms such as fruit flies, mice, and non-human primates, research conducted by Luo Donggen includes: 1) molecular mechanisms of "dark-light" vision (Science, 2011; Nature Neuroscience, 2008; Current Biology, 2020); 2) novel mechanisms of olfactory sensitivity dynamic regulation (PNAS, 2016); 3) biphasic encoding of olfactory perception (Nature Communications, 2017); 4) regulation of feeding decisions by mechanosensation (Science Advances, 2019); 5) Hub circuitry involved in time adjustment (Nature Communications, 2018), and other related processes. These studies have advanced state-of-the-art neural electrophysiological techniques (including in vivo multi-electrode patch clamp recordings from live animal brains) and have utilized molecular genetics, optogenetics, and two-photon calcium imaging to uncover the fundamental principles of perception and behavior generation in the brain. Currently, ongoing research topics include: (1) neural mechanisms of sensory signal encoding and processing; (2) neural mechanisms of instinctive behaviors such as feeding; (3) neural mechanisms of circadian rhythms and sleep."
