UTSA professor receives $1.29 million grant to chase the brain's deepest mysteries
(May 22, 2017) -- Alfonso Apicella, assistant professor of biology at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), has received a $1.29 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support his research in communication between the two halves of the brain.
"Dr. Apicella's work is a source of immense pride," said George Perry, Semmes Foundation Distinguished University Chair in Neurobiology and dean of the UTSA College of Sciences. "This is an exciting time for brain health research, and this work is another example of UTSA's top-tier research efforts."
Apicella's research focuses on the corpus callosum, a bundle of neural fibers that makes communication between the two hemispheres of the brain possible. It is largely mysterious to scientists.
"We still don't know what mechanisms the corpus callosum uses, therefore we cannot study in very great details its functions and effects," Apicella said.
With this new grant, Apicella will delve into the connection between the corpus callosum and auditory signals.
"When you hear something with your left ear, the right part of your brain processes it and vice versa," he said. "The two hemispheres are working together to respond to the sound. What we're trying to understand is how they're working together through the corpus callosum."
Apicella is taking a special look at schizophrenia since it is frequently characterized by auditory hallucinations. He believes those hallucinations could be a result of miscommunication between the brain's two hemispheres.
Another focus will be autism. Previous research has shown that individuals with autism can have a thin or underdeveloped corpus callosum. Animals with this characteristic tend not to interact socially. Apicella believes that a greater understanding of autism could lie in a better understanding of the corpus callosum.
"A number of medical conditions could be addressed with this research," he said. "It's not a cure, but it's a step along the way and in the process we'll be chasing one of the brain's oldest mysteries."
UTSA is ranked among the top 400 universities in the world and among the top 100 in the nation, according to Times Higher Education.
-------------------------------
Learn more about the UTSA Department of Biology.
Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.