1. Encoding meal-related memories across the gut-brain axis 

Mnemonic functions influence eating behaviours in both humans and rodents. We have recently identified, within the hippocampus, a neuronal population whose activity serves to encode meal-related memories and orient future eating behaviours. Our ongoing work combines recent technology in neuroscience with behavioural paradigms to uncover the mechanisms through which meal-related memories are encoded across the gut-brain axis.   

2. Modulation of cognitive function by vagus nerve signaling 

The vagus nerve relays information between digestive organs and the brain. Both human and rodent studies demonstrate that loss of vagus nerve signaling at the level of the gut has a negative impact on cognitive function. Our ongoing work aims to identify the key actors involved in this modulation of cognitive function by vagus nerve signaling.