Investigating the neural basis of emotion and motivation
Biopsychology
Lab
Professor Yongsang Jo
The Biopsychology Lab studies the neural circuits underlying emotion and motivation using a variety of neuroscience techniques, including electrophysiology, optogenetics, and fiber photometry, primarily in genetically modified mouse models.
Research on Brain–Behavior Regulation
The lab investigates how the parabrachial nucleus processes threat-related signals and regulates defensive behaviors, aiming to understand how the brain interprets emotional stimuli and modulates behavioral responses.
Neural Mechanisms
Using self-administration models of cocaine use, the lab examines the neural mechanisms that regulate drug addiction–related behaviors. In particular, the research focuses on identifying neural circuits that enable addicted animals to reduce drug-seeking behavior.
Through these studies, the lab seeks to achieve a more precise understanding of the neural mechanisms of emotion and motivation and to identify brain circuits that can effectively modulate addictive behaviors.
