Though we use a wide range of laboratory methods to gather our data, many of the experiments carried out in our lab involved the following methods:

 

  • Primary Neuron Culture: We culture neuronal cells in vitro to better understand homeostatic scaling in synapses, and how different genotypes lead to variations in synaptic proteomics.

photo of neurons in primary culture

Photo by Bradley Allf
  • Molecular Methods: We use Western blot, qPCR, and quantitative proteomics to study the molecular basis for the benefits of sleep.

Image of Western blot

Photo from Wikimedia Commons
  • Animal Behavior: We use the non-invasive Piezo Sleep monitoring system to track sleep in various mouse strains, particularly mouse models of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Image of mouse cages in the "Mouse House"

Photo by Bradley Allf
  • Disease Modeling: We use genetically modified mice as models of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

Photo from Wikimedia Commons