Our group explores questions at the intersection of neuroscience, genomics, and biophysics using interdisciplinary approaches. In this talk, I will highlight two recent contributions:

1. Evolution of Neurons in the Human Eye: By combining large-scale single-cell genomic experiments with statistical inference, we have uncovered an evolutionary link between the abundant “midget” neurons in the human eye and a rare group of neurons in rodents. Thus, our findings suggest that midget neurons, previously considered unique to primates, have a more ancient origin. Given their role in over 90% of visual transmission, this discovery will guide studies of retinal degeneration in accessible animal models.
2. Electrochemical Dynamics in Neuronal Signaling: All neurons signal electrically. However, classical approaches to studying neurotransmission involve “equivalent circuit” models that neglect the microscopic dynamics of ions at the lipid membrane interface. Using theory and simulation rooted in electrolyte transport phenomena, I will describe the spatiotemporal electrochemical dynamics driven by localized membrane currents. Our results reveal scaling laws and collective phenomena influenced by interfacial charge layers and the lipid membrane—key factors neglected in traditional models.