Columbia University in the City of New York · BiologyYuste Lab
Rafael Yuste · New York, New York
Research Focus
Dr. Rafael Yuste's lab at Columbia University investigates the complex workings of the visual cortex, focusing on the role of neuronal ensembles and dendrites in processing visual information. His team uses advanced optical techniques to explore how these ensembles affect visual perception and how dendrites, often overlooked in neuroscience, contribute to neuronal decision-making. Ultimately, this research aims to better understand brain function and develop novel therapies for visual impairments.
visual cortexneuronal ensemblesdendritesholographic optogeneticsin vivo imagingsynaptic plasticitymicrocircuitsbehavioral neurosciencecomputational modeling
Research Aims
5AIM 01Characterize the basic phenomenology and cellular identity of neuronal ensembles.
AIM 02Explore the biophysical synaptic circuit mechanisms of visual cortex.
AIM 03Investigate the role of inhibitory interneurons in regulating ensemble activity.
AIM 04Develop open-access datasets of dendritic trees and their functional properties.
AIM 05Promote a new understanding of dendritic function in neuronal decision-making.
Skills the Lab Values
holographic optogeneticstwo-photon imagingin vivo patch clampingvolumetric imagingsynaptic mappingcomputational modelinggraph theory analysismouse modelsoptochemistry
Output against the department
Publications424top 11% of dept.109th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations41ktop 7% of dept.73rd of 1,033
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.