Our Research

          The Poe lab investigates the mechanisms by which sleep traits serve learning and memory consolidation. Memories are encoded by the pattern of synaptic connections between neurons. We employ tetrode recording and optogenetic techniques in learning animals to see how neural patterns underlying learning are reactivated during sleep, and how activity during sleep influences the neural memory code. Both strengthening and weakening of synapses is important to the process of sculpting a network when we make new memories and integrate them into old schema. Results from our studies suggest that while synaptic strengthening can be efficiently accomplished during the waking learning process, the synaptic weakening part of memory integration requires conditions unique to sleep. The absence of noradrenaline during sleep spindles and REM sleep as well as the low levels of serotonin during REM sleep allow the brain to integrate new memories and to refresh and renew old synapses so that we are ready to build new associations the next waking period. Memory difficulties involved in post-traumatic stress disorder, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and even autism involve abnormalities in the sleep-dependent memory consolidation process that my lab studies. 

News 

Dr. Gina Poe recently appeared on The Adversity Advantage podcast to share her expertise on sleep. In the episode, she discusses the different stages of sleep, the importance of getting a good night's rest, and ways to improve the quality of your sleep. The episode can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBpisV3HjCU
On February 13, Dr. Poe appeared as a guest on the Huberman Lab podcast. She spoke with Andrew Huberman about sleep and its wide-ranging effects on hormones, memory, learning, and emotions. Watch her full episode here: ​https://youtu.be/BMTt8gSl13s
One of our undergraduate lab members, Oren, recently launched a new pre-health program for UCLA's military connected students!  Check out the article about his journey here. 
On April 16, Dr. Poe gave a TEDTalk in the program, Sleep and Dreaming: The Brain Science of Sleep and Why We Dream, hosted by TEDxMarin.  ​It can now be viewed on their YouTube!  Watch her full talk here: ​https://youtu.be/gofdPqEYZso
On March 16, Dr. Poe gave a lecture on sleep and its importance in memory and learning for the 2021 Black History Month Scholar’s Lecture!  View the full lecture here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LicPLe0bsRE
Dr. Poe talks science with UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and Dean Adriana Galván, moderated by Dr. Tracy Johnson.  Check out the event here: ​lifesciences.ucla.edu/2021/02/lets-talk-sciences-sleep-the-brain-and-human-health-from-adolescents-to-adults-chancellor-gene-block-professor-adriana-gavan-professor-gina-poe-moderated-by-dean-tracy-johnson/
In this collaboration event between Multiverse and the Museum of Science that explores science in interaction with music and dance, our lab members speak about their current projects.  Full event here: ​ www.multiverseseries.org/yourbrainonsleep

Check out our exclusive feature in the Dreams episode of Netflix's The Mind, Explained:  ​https://www.netflix.com/title/81098586
Check out one of our lab member's (Rockelle Guthrie) podcast, Insufficient Facts. This is a science-based podcast made by  scientists, for everyone.  Here is the link: ​https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insufficient-facts/id1439660208
In this podcast interview, Dr. Poe speaks on the trauma of family separation on children at our U.S. borders and how this trauma can have long-lasting effects on the brain. 
Check it out here: ​https://futuromedia.libsyn.com/itt-extra-a-neuroscientists-warning-of-family-separation
In this issue of National Geographic, they highlight the importance and science of sleep. Dr. Poe gives her advice to soldiers on how they could possibly avoid developing PTSD.  You can find the full article here:  https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/08/science-of-sleep/

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