The Balbi lab employs a multi-level approach combining in vivo imaging techniques and optogenetics to investigate intrinsic neuroprotective mechanisms of the brain under pathological conditions such as stroke
The brain is inarguably the most complex organ in the body, and disruption to brain activity can have fatal consequences for the organism. The brain’s resilience relies on high levels of redundancy to ensure continued function under most circumstances, as well as built-in homeostatic mechanisms to stabilise neural activity and maintain interhemispheric and excitatory/inhibitory balance.
Our goal is to understand the intrinsic mechanisms of the brain to restore itself and harness them for therapeutic purposes by using a multi-level approach that includes neuronal, systems and behavioural analysis. Our vision is to recruit and enhance the intrinsic neuroprotective mechanisms of the brain through recovery paradigms tailored individually by automated assessment and AI-controlled feedback.
In addition to scientific excellence and integrity, our laboratory strongly values mentorship, collaborations, innovation and mental wellbeing.
Matilde Balbi, phd
