Mapping CO₂-activated neurons in the central nervous system of the moth

In this PhD-project, Pramod KC. intends to explore how one particular odor cue, namely CO₂, is represented in the central nervous system, including the brain and ventral cord (analogue of the mammalian spinal cord). The methods include mass staining of the sensory neurons detecting CO₂, intracellular recording/staining of the second-order neurons, and calcium imaging of antennal-lobe glomeruli being activated by a selection of relevant stimuli including CO₂ and other odor stimuli, applied separately as well as in distinct combinations. Main supervisor is Prof. Bente G. Berg, Dept of Psychology, NTNU, and secondary supervisor Ass. Prof. Pål Kvello, Dept. of Teacher Education, NTNU. Master student Ina Saltvik is involved in the project as well.