Behavioral and translational neuroscience
Using a combination of traditional behavioral testing, modern manipulation methods, and advanced imaging, our research mainly focuses on the neurobiological basis of behavior, both in physiological and pathological circumstances.
Our research group consists of researchers with a variety of backgrounds. Since summer 2019, the group consists of two teams: Snoerenlab and McCutcheonlab.
News
New paper: Cafeteria diet as model to study excessive junk food consumption
Junk food is both appetizing and consists of high-energy nutrients, which is why the consumption of junk food plays a central role in weight gain, obesity and the associated health risks. To study the effects of junk food on different on different aspects of health, researchers have to use standardized diets, very often in animal models. The Cafeteria (CAF) diet model for animal experiments consists of the same tasty but unhealthy food products that people eat (e.g. hot dogs and muffins), and considers variety, novelty and secondary food features, such as smell and texture. This model, therefore, mimics human eating patterns better than other models.
Snoerenlab is hiring!
We are looking for three enthusiastic colleagues who would like to build and advance their career in the field of behavioral neuroscience. The ideal candidates will have previous research experience with laboratory animals, be interested in cutting-edge neuroscientific techniques and be able to and interested in working in a team.
New paper: Male sex hormones change the architecture of neurons in the brain
Sex hormones, such as estrogens and testosterone, are well known to be important for the menstrual cycle, development of sex specific characteristics, and gain of muscle mass. We understand the mechanisms behind these hormonal actions. Still subject to research is how sex hormones in the brain affect sexual behavior, aggression, and even memory. In our latest research project, carried out in Minneapolis with our collaborators, we discovered that in rats, male sex hormones change the structure of neurons in certain brain areas that are involved in the regulation of sexual behavior, motivation, and reward. These findings, published in the Journal of Neuroendocrinology , shine some light on how sex hormones might ultimately influence behavior.
Activities
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The group:
| Eelke Snoeren | Group Leader |
| James McCutcheon | Professor |
| Roy Heijkoop | Head engineer |
| Patty Huijgens | PhD student |
| Jaume Ferrer Lalanza | Postdoc |
| Linnea Volcko | Postdoc |
| Former members | |
| Indrek Heinla | Postdoc |
| Jesper Solheim Johansen | Profesjonstudent |
| Ole Christian Sylte | Profesjonstudent |
| Jasmin Wilhelmsen | Bachelor student |
| Aslaug Angelsen | Bachelor student |
| Thor-Arne Sørlie | Bachelor student |
| Jan Hegstad | M. Psych. |
| Bjørn Skagen | M. Psych. |
| Danielle Houwing | Guest PhD student |