ABOUT US

02:23

Research in the Kaun Lab

What questions do we study and how do we feel we can contribute to what is understood about memory and addiction?

02:56

Faculty Spotlight on Karla Kaun, PhD

Dr. Karla Kaun, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, describes her research at Brown University, where she is investigating the roots of addiction.

58:22

Carney Conversations: What can drunk flies tell us about addiction?

Join the Carney Institute for Brain Science for a conversation about the roots of addiction with Karla Kaun, Robert and Nancy Carney Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Brown University. Held on May 18, 2020, this event was moderated by Diane Lipscombe, Reliance Dhirubhai Ambani Director of the Carney Institute, and Christopher Moore, associate director of the Carney Institute.

01:05

What do we study in the Kaun Lab?

00:32

What is the purpose of our work?

00:55

What outstanding questions in neuroscience are we addressing?

00:30

What is the translational potential of our research?

00:48

A compact genome, tiny brain, and impressive toolbox of sophisticated neurogenetic tools make the fly an excellent model to understand the neural substrate of behavior. We use the powerful molecular and genetic tools available in the fly to investigate the neural substrates of drug reward at the molecular and cellular level.

Drosophila show remarkably long-lasting memories for a cue associated with an intoxicating dose of alcohol. We investigate the neural circuitry and associated molecular mechanisms within the fly brain that regulate this memory.

Our approach combines behavioural neuroscience, neuropharmacology, functional imaging, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics and computer science in order to understand the mechanisms regulating memories for a drug experience.