University of California-San Diego · NeuroscienceNeuronal Dynamics and Behavior Lab
Scott M Sternson · La Jolla, California
Research Focus
Scott M Sternson's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding how the brain's neurons influence behavior through their molecular properties and activity. They use innovative imaging techniques to observe how gene expression and calcium dynamics in neurons relate to various behaviors in mice, especially in deep-brain structures. This research aims to unravel the complexities of neuron functions and their impact on feelings like hunger and fear, as well as their implications in health and disease.
calcium imagingRNA multiplexingneuron behaviorgene expressiondeep-brain structuresanimal modelsbehavioral neurosciencemolecular profilingtwo-photon microscopy
Research Aims
4AIM 01Develop methodologies to integrate gene expression, neuron activity, and behavior studies.
AIM 02Optimize imaging techniques for high-dimensional data collection in deep-brain regions.
AIM 03Investigate the role of specific brain structures in regulating hunger, thirst, and fear behaviors.
AIM 04Facilitate broader access to advanced imaging technologies for the neuroscience research community.
Skills the Lab Values
calcium imagingRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)two-photon microscopyanimal behavior experimentationdata analysis using computational toolstranscriptomic analysisexperimental designneuroanatomy identificationhigh-dimensional data interpretation
Output against the department
Publications87bottom 27% of dept.489th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations13ktop 32% of dept.216th of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.