Research Funding

Current

Neural mechanisms of compensating for brain damage
NIMH RO1, MH64586, 2002-2007, TA Jones, PI
The focus of this project is the neuroanatomical and functional basis of behavioral adaptation to focal cortical ischemic injury in adult animals. The aims of this project center on the hypothesis that cortical ischemia results in neurodegenerative events in connected cortical regions which are both sensitive to and facilitating of some types of behavioral changes.

Cortical stimulation to enhance recovery after stroke
NINDS U54 NS048126, 2005-2009, R Nudo, Program Director, TA Jones, PI on Subproject 2

The goal of this cooperative program in translational research is to test a new therapeutic approach, cortical electrical stimulation combined with rehabilitative training, in enhancing motor function after cortical infarcts in animal models. Subproject 2, “Combination of cortical stimulation with other therapies”, is to optimize the rehabilitative training regime that is combined with cortical stimulation and to test the persistence of the stimulation induced improvements.

New directions in stroke neurorehabilitation
NIH P20 RR0207700, 2004-2007, T McNeill, UCSC, Program Director, TA Jones, Co-PI with Schallert on Subproject 3:

The goal of this exploratory center program is to develop interdisciplinary approaches to improving hemiparesis of the upper limb. Subproject 3, “Influence of behavioral experience on stroke neurorehabilitation”, is to determine, in animal models, how specific contents of training are important for the degree of functional recovery that can be achieved with rehabilitative training. 

Brain plasticity and division of labor: from simple to complex societies
NSF IBN0347020, 2004-2008, TA Jones, Co-PI with S. O’Donnel

This research examines plasticity of the mushroom bodies linked with divisions of labor in two closely related species of paper wasps found in Monteverde, Costa Rica, one in which very complex societies are formed (Polybia) and one that forms relatively simple societies (Mischocyttarus).

Previous

Behavior-mediated neural plasticity after brain damage
NIMH R29 (FIRST) MH56361, 1997 - 2002, TA Jones, PI

The goal of this project was to investigate interactive influences of lesion-induced degenerative, neuroplastic and behavioral changes on central neuronal adaptation to brain damage. This included studies of glia and synaptic plasticity following focal cortical damage and their relationship to behavioral changes.

Rehabilitation after stroke
Vertis Neuroscience, Inc., Grant and Gift , 2001-2002, TA Jones, PI

The project was to assess the efficacy ocortical electrical stimulation combined with rehabilitative motor skills training on improving functional outcome from stroke and to assess neuroplastic mechanisms underlying functional improvements.

Behavior, degeneration and plasticity after brain damage
NIMH MH55525, 1996-1997, TA Jones, PI

This project was to investigate interactions between experience-dependent and denervation-dependent brain changes after focal cortical injury.