April 8, 2019 / Modified apr 8, 2019 10:37 a.m.

Episode 176: Blood and the Brain

Mathematical models can help reveal the relationship between brain activity and oxygen levels in the blood.

AZSCI 176 Blood and the Brain A University of Arizona professor is researching the relationship between neural activity and blood oxygen level.
Antonino Paolo Di Giovanna/CC 4.0

The Research Corporation for Science Advancement
Arizona Science

Blood and the Brain

This episode is supported by the The Research Corporation for Science Advancement.
NPR
Episode 176: University of Arizona Mathematics and Physiology Professor Tim Secomb

Prof. Tim Secomb is researching blood flow and brain circuitry. He wants to know more about how the brain reacts when it is denied oxygen. For example, during a stroke, blood flow – and thus oxygen – to the brain is suddenly stopped, and some brain cells die. One basic part of this equation is physiological, but Prof. Secomb is developing a mathematical model that can reveal the relationship between neural activity in the brain and corresponding changes in blood oxygen level.

Tim Secomb spoke with Leslie Tolbert, PhD., Regents Professor Emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

Arizona Science
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