Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior (EHUB)

Cognitive Neuroscience

To understand the neural basis of cognitive functions such as perception, memory, emotion and communication, we adopt various techniques in our studies. We record electrical activity in the brain, such as single neuronal activity and electroencephalography, and analyze its relationships with behavior. We examine anatomical connections using tracer injections, and investigate the impacts of neurotransmitters and hormones on brain functions and behavior. We examine human brain activation in relation to cognitive functions using fMRI, and develop new experimental apparatus and tasks to analyze the complicated behavior of primates.

Section Members 

Katsuki Nakamura
Professor
Takeshi Nishimura
Associate Professor
Shigehiro Miyachi
Associate Professor
Dr. Ikuma Adachi
Ikuma Adachi
Associate Professor
Eishi Hirasaki
Associate Professor
Dr. Yuko Hattori
Yuko Hattori
Assistant Professor
Naho Konoike
Assistant Professor

Molecular Biology

We investigate genomes, genes, proteins, and cells to understand the evolution of all primates, including humans. Genomes provide information about chromosome evolution and population genetics. Functional genes and proteins provide information about rules that govern behavior and ecology. Cells are potential biological resources for new experimental models and for species conservation, especially in the case of stem cells. Now, using specific subjects, we focus on studying the senses, reproduction and brain development.

Section Members 

Munehiro Okamoto
Professor
Akihiko Koga
Akihiko Koga
Professor
Yukako Katsura
Assistant Professor
Hiroo Imai
Hiroo Imai
Professor
Masanori Imamura
Assistant Professor

Systems Neuroscience

This section aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying higher brain functions, such as motor control and cognitive behavior, and to explore the pathophysiology of neurological/neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease. To investigate the structural and functional substrates for complex neural networks in highly developed primate brains (macaques, marmosets), we not only employ multidisciplinary approaches by integrating neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and molecular biology, but also develop cutting-edge methodologies with viral vectors, such as gene transfer techniques to produce a variety of primate models. 

Section Members 

Takao Oishi
Associate Professor
Ken'ichi Inoue
Assistant Professor