Raut Lab
Projects
Deciphering Brain Dynamics
Goal
Brain activity comprises diverse electrical and chemical processes that unfold in a complex yet coordinated manner across a range of spatial and temporal scales. Our goal is to identify the hidden rules and governing principles of this dynamic activity, shedding light on the integrated and ongoing nature of brain function. We pursue this goal by applying dynamical systems theory and machine learning algorithms to experimental datasets that span diverse scales, modalities, and even species—from high-density, cellular-resolution recordings in mice, to macroscale brain imaging in humans. These complementary perspectives allow us to build a deeper, more holistic understanding of multiscale brain dynamics.
Developing Methods for Analysis and Modeling of Dynamic Brain Data
Goal
To extract structure from increasingly complex datasets will require advancing the frontier of analysis approaches. We are working toward this goal while also developing computational and mathematical models to synthesize the resulting findings and insights across datasets — altogether enabling tractable, quantitative and integrative models of brain dynamics that can guide hypothesis generation and inform experiments and interventions.
Detecting and Reversing Perturbed Brain Dynamics
Goal
Though often studied in terms of static parts, brain and organismal function are ultimately sustained by dynamic processes of the kind our lab seeks to unravel. Accordingly, perturbations to these dynamics may underlie a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, while also offering clues for their treatment. We collaborate with clinical researchers to identify signatures of abnormal dynamics across multiple disorders, with the goal of developing interventions that restore function by reestablishing healthy internal dynamics.
Our People
The lab, led by Ryan Raut, PhD, brings together a multidisciplinary team of computational and theoretical researchers dedicated to understanding the dynamic processes underlying healthy and perturbed brain function.
