PhD studentship on neural oscillations, brain stimulation, and memory
consolidation:

Entraining activity in the sleeping brain to optimize memory consolidation

Dr Penny Lewis & Dr Gorana Pobric

Sleep plays a role in memory consolidation, but is there any way to
influence the type of sleep we obtain? Work with transcranial direct
current stimulation (tDCS) shows that judicious stimulation can push
the brain into slow wave sleep (SWS) when it might otherwise have
remained in shallow sleep. This 'entrained' SWS leads to improved
consolidation of declarative memories. Interestingly, other types of
memory are believed to rely upon oscillations at other frequencies for
consolidation. For instance theta frequency (3-7 Hz) during REM sleep
is critical for emotional memory consolidation, while localised sleep
spindles (10-14 Hz) in Stage2 are critical for procedural memory
consolidation. In wake, tDCS at encoding can lead to memory
enhancements. This advantage could be due to facilitated encoding, but
potentiation also leads to localised enhancements in subsequent
spindles and SWS so facilitation >24hrs after stimulation could also
be due to superior consolidation during sleep.

Here, we examine the impact of tDCS stimulation, both at encoding and
during sleep, upon consolidation. The PhD research will ask whether
such stimulation could lead to a selective consolidation of emotional
or procedural memories. We also explore the neural correlates of any
facilitation observed.

This work is important because it may lead to the development of new
technologies for facilitation of learning and consolidation.

This PhD studentship provides full support for tuition fees and an
annual minimum tax-free stipend of £13, 590. The project is available
to UK/EU nationals only due to the nature of the funding and is due to
commence October 2012. Full eligibility guidance can be found from the
link below.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a minimum upper-second
honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant psychology, neuroscience
or mathematics subject.

This PhD project is one of a number currently available across the
University of Manchester in the areas of biological sciences,
biotechnology and bioenergy. The projects form part of our newly
launched ‘Doctoral Training Partnership’ (DTP) scheme, delivering a
totally novel approach to doctoral training in the biosciences.

Full details on the application process and summaries of the remaining
projects can be found on the DTP website:
http://www.dtpstudentships.ls.manchester.ac.uk/

Any enquiries relating to the application process should be directed
to Jessica Bowler (DTPstudentships@manchester.ac.uk).

Enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be
directed to Dr Penny Lewis at p.lewis@manchester.ac.uk

Applications are invited up to and including 25 November 2011.

http://www.dtpstudentships.ls.manchester.ac.uk/