Eric Garr
@garrface.bsky.social
Postdoc @ Johns Hopkins. Behavior, brains, biking, bagels.
ericgarr.com
ericgarr.com
Pinned
Eric Garr
@garrface.bsky.social
· Aug 5
Modeling hidden cognitive states reveals acute and chronic effects of fentanyl on decision-making
The cognitive mechanisms underlying behavior are often dynamic, shifting gradually or abruptly over time scales spanning years, to weeks, to minutes. Whether drug-induced changes in learning and decis...
www.biorxiv.org
I’m excited to share my latest paper, in which we used latent state modeling to reveal how fentanyl shapes decision-making dynamics in rats.
Here’s a summary of what we found (thread).
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Here’s a summary of what we found (thread).
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Eric Garr
If you're at SfN on Monday, come by poster board II10 to see how fentanyl changes cell type-specific encoding of choice outcomes in the striatum to influence decision-making phenotypes. Looking forward to seeing some cool science and supporting SfN during these difficult times!
November 13, 2025 at 6:05 PM
If you're at SfN on Monday, come by poster board II10 to see how fentanyl changes cell type-specific encoding of choice outcomes in the striatum to influence decision-making phenotypes. Looking forward to seeing some cool science and supporting SfN during these difficult times!
If you're at SfN on Monday, come by poster board II10 to see how fentanyl changes cell type-specific encoding of choice outcomes in the striatum to influence decision-making phenotypes. Looking forward to seeing some cool science and supporting SfN during these difficult times!
November 13, 2025 at 6:05 PM
If you're at SfN on Monday, come by poster board II10 to see how fentanyl changes cell type-specific encoding of choice outcomes in the striatum to influence decision-making phenotypes. Looking forward to seeing some cool science and supporting SfN during these difficult times!
Reposted by Eric Garr
Delighted to see this finally out: rdcu.be/eO9oW
We tested whether brief striatal dopamine release events influence the vigor of skilled movements. Despite popular belief, we did not find any evidence linking rapid dopamine dynamics to motor vigor on a moment-by-moment basis.
We tested whether brief striatal dopamine release events influence the vigor of skilled movements. Despite popular belief, we did not find any evidence linking rapid dopamine dynamics to motor vigor on a moment-by-moment basis.
Subsecond dopamine fluctuations do not specify the vigor of ongoing actions
Nature Neuroscience - Liu and colleagues show that the vigor (that is, speed and amplitude) of dexterous movements is not controlled by ongoing fluctuations in extracellular dopamine within the...
rdcu.be
November 10, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Delighted to see this finally out: rdcu.be/eO9oW
We tested whether brief striatal dopamine release events influence the vigor of skilled movements. Despite popular belief, we did not find any evidence linking rapid dopamine dynamics to motor vigor on a moment-by-moment basis.
We tested whether brief striatal dopamine release events influence the vigor of skilled movements. Despite popular belief, we did not find any evidence linking rapid dopamine dynamics to motor vigor on a moment-by-moment basis.
Reposted by Eric Garr
VTA dopamine neuron activity produces spatially organized value representations https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.04.685995v1
November 6, 2025 at 7:16 PM
VTA dopamine neuron activity produces spatially organized value representations https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.04.685995v1
Reposted by Eric Garr
Nature suggests you use their "Manuscript Adviser" bot to get advice before submitting
I uploaded the classic Watson & Crick paper about DNA structure, and the Adviser had this to say about one of the greatest paper endings of the century:
I uploaded the classic Watson & Crick paper about DNA structure, and the Adviser had this to say about one of the greatest paper endings of the century:
November 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Nature suggests you use their "Manuscript Adviser" bot to get advice before submitting
I uploaded the classic Watson & Crick paper about DNA structure, and the Adviser had this to say about one of the greatest paper endings of the century:
I uploaded the classic Watson & Crick paper about DNA structure, and the Adviser had this to say about one of the greatest paper endings of the century:
I first heard Jack DeJohnette as part of the Keith Jarrett trio when I was ~14. I didn’t like his drumming and thought it sounded sloppy. For whatever reason, it clicked with me much later. Here’s a 🔥 clip I discovered recently. RIP JD
youtu.be/a3CZHr5uiNM?...
youtu.be/a3CZHr5uiNM?...
Jack DeJohnette, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock and Dave Holland - Shadow Dance (live)
YouTube video by SafaJah
youtu.be
October 27, 2025 at 10:01 PM
I first heard Jack DeJohnette as part of the Keith Jarrett trio when I was ~14. I didn’t like his drumming and thought it sounded sloppy. For whatever reason, it clicked with me much later. Here’s a 🔥 clip I discovered recently. RIP JD
youtu.be/a3CZHr5uiNM?...
youtu.be/a3CZHr5uiNM?...
Reposted by Eric Garr
Some great consideration of differences in learning and performance during blocking (the sine qua non of PE phenomena) in sign vs goal trackers here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Behavioral determinants in the expression of the Kamin blocking effect: Implications for associative learning theory
Associative learning makes important contributions to our behavior and decisions. The Kamin blocking effect is an associative learning phenomenon that…
www.sciencedirect.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Some great consideration of differences in learning and performance during blocking (the sine qua non of PE phenomena) in sign vs goal trackers here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Eric Garr
Nice preprint from Veronica Alvarez's group on cortically-evoked DA mediated by ACh! I We observed something quite similar in birds, and interesting to see the sensory/prefrontal distinction
Cholinergic-dependent dopamine signals in mouse dorsal striatum are regulated by frontal but not sensory cortices
Everyday decisions depend on linking sensory stimuli with actions and outcomes. The striatum supports these sensorimotor associations through dopamine-dependent plasticity. Thus, the timing and magnit...
www.biorxiv.org
October 14, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Nice preprint from Veronica Alvarez's group on cortically-evoked DA mediated by ACh! I We observed something quite similar in birds, and interesting to see the sensory/prefrontal distinction
Reposted by Eric Garr
We have an open NIH-funded postdoc position in the lab to study circuit and neurochemical mechanisms of cognitive and motivational deficits in opioid withdrawal. Apply here: recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09885 or message/email for more information.
Postdoctoral Scholars - Ostlund Laboratory - Anesthesiology & Perioperative Care
University of California, Irvine is hiring. Apply now!
recruit.ap.uci.edu
October 3, 2025 at 5:41 PM
We have an open NIH-funded postdoc position in the lab to study circuit and neurochemical mechanisms of cognitive and motivational deficits in opioid withdrawal. Apply here: recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09885 or message/email for more information.
Reposted by Eric Garr
I'm recruiting a PhD student to study how enkephalins affect cognitive processing in the rodent frontal cortex. The project uses pharmacology, multi-electrode recordings, and fiber photometry, and is funded by NIDA. Please share with trainees applying this cycle. Thanks!
October 3, 2025 at 3:43 PM
I'm recruiting a PhD student to study how enkephalins affect cognitive processing in the rodent frontal cortex. The project uses pharmacology, multi-electrode recordings, and fiber photometry, and is funded by NIDA. Please share with trainees applying this cycle. Thanks!
Reposted by Eric Garr
This may be the most important paper ever published about NIH funded research.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
What if NIH had been 40% smaller?
Replaying history with less NIH funding shows widespread impacts on drug-linked research
www.science.org
September 25, 2025 at 9:20 PM
This may be the most important paper ever published about NIH funded research.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Eric Garr
A mechanistic theory of planning in prefrontal cortex https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.23.677709v1
September 24, 2025 at 8:15 AM
A mechanistic theory of planning in prefrontal cortex https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.23.677709v1
Reposted by Eric Garr
Today 1-2 pm CST bit.ly/3VOJrcy
Join us!
Join us!
Our next speaker is my friend @garrface.bsky.social , who will discuss my favorite topic: Mesolimbic DA --> Causal Learning!
Tune in on Monday 9/22 from 1-2pm CST bit.ly/3VOJrcy
Tune in on Monday 9/22 from 1-2pm CST bit.ly/3VOJrcy
September 22, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Today 1-2 pm CST bit.ly/3VOJrcy
Join us!
Join us!
Reposted by Eric Garr
🚨Our preprint is online!🚨
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
How do #dopamine neurons perform the key calculations in reinforcement #learning?
Read on to find out more! 🧵
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
How do #dopamine neurons perform the key calculations in reinforcement #learning?
Read on to find out more! 🧵
September 19, 2025 at 1:05 PM
🚨Our preprint is online!🚨
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
How do #dopamine neurons perform the key calculations in reinforcement #learning?
Read on to find out more! 🧵
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
How do #dopamine neurons perform the key calculations in reinforcement #learning?
Read on to find out more! 🧵
Reposted by Eric Garr
This article is truly impressive, both for the significance of its findings and the enormous amount of work it represents!
Briefly, it demonstrates that the gut-brain vagal axis exerts a considerable influence on dopamine-dependent reward-related processes...
1/n
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Briefly, it demonstrates that the gut-brain vagal axis exerts a considerable influence on dopamine-dependent reward-related processes...
1/n
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
September 18, 2025 at 10:03 AM
This article is truly impressive, both for the significance of its findings and the enormous amount of work it represents!
Briefly, it demonstrates that the gut-brain vagal axis exerts a considerable influence on dopamine-dependent reward-related processes...
1/n
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Briefly, it demonstrates that the gut-brain vagal axis exerts a considerable influence on dopamine-dependent reward-related processes...
1/n
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Eric Garr
How does the brain decide? 🧠
Our new @nature.com paper shows that neural activity switches from an 'evidence gathering' to a 'commitment' state at a precise moment we call nTc.
After nTc, new evidence is ignored, revealing a neural marker for the instant when the mind is made up.
rdcu.be/eGUrv
Our new @nature.com paper shows that neural activity switches from an 'evidence gathering' to a 'commitment' state at a precise moment we call nTc.
After nTc, new evidence is ignored, revealing a neural marker for the instant when the mind is made up.
rdcu.be/eGUrv
Transitions in dynamical regime and neural mode during perceptual decisions - Nature
Simultaneous recordings were made of hundreds of neurons in the rat frontal cortex and striatum, showing that decision commitment involves a rapid, coordinated transition in dynamical regime and neura...
www.nature.com
September 17, 2025 at 8:12 PM
How does the brain decide? 🧠
Our new @nature.com paper shows that neural activity switches from an 'evidence gathering' to a 'commitment' state at a precise moment we call nTc.
After nTc, new evidence is ignored, revealing a neural marker for the instant when the mind is made up.
rdcu.be/eGUrv
Our new @nature.com paper shows that neural activity switches from an 'evidence gathering' to a 'commitment' state at a precise moment we call nTc.
After nTc, new evidence is ignored, revealing a neural marker for the instant when the mind is made up.
rdcu.be/eGUrv
Reposted by Eric Garr
Though it’s traumatic for me to bring this up, I was targeted by a group allied with Turning Point USA in 2018, with the help of Tucker Carlson on Fox. My home address circulated online and I got death threats. 1/
September 13, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Though it’s traumatic for me to bring this up, I was targeted by a group allied with Turning Point USA in 2018, with the help of Tucker Carlson on Fox. My home address circulated online and I got death threats. 1/
Reposted by Eric Garr
Director Bhattacharya says there are no banned words at the NIH. The data suggest otherwise.
Here is a word cloud of the words that were missing from the noncompetitive renewal awards but had been present in the parent award.
3/4
3/4
September 9, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Director Bhattacharya says there are no banned words at the NIH. The data suggest otherwise.
Reposted by Eric Garr
I am beyond excited to host a stellar group of scientists for the first installation of our series: Brain Talks on The Isthmus. Thank you to everyone who contributed by spreading the news, submitting abstracts, reviewing the submissions, and offering kind words of support. I am grateful and smiling
September 5, 2025 at 2:24 PM
I am beyond excited to host a stellar group of scientists for the first installation of our series: Brain Talks on The Isthmus. Thank you to everyone who contributed by spreading the news, submitting abstracts, reviewing the submissions, and offering kind words of support. I am grateful and smiling
Reposted by Eric Garr
🚨 We’re hiring a postdoc! 🚨
Excited for our new NiCE grant with @lauerlab.bsky.social @batwoman123.bsky.social 🎉We use a comparative approach, two-photon imaging & optogenetics to identify why bats🦇 and deer mice resist noise but lab mice don't.
If you're interested, please DM or e-mail me!
Excited for our new NiCE grant with @lauerlab.bsky.social @batwoman123.bsky.social 🎉We use a comparative approach, two-photon imaging & optogenetics to identify why bats🦇 and deer mice resist noise but lab mice don't.
If you're interested, please DM or e-mail me!
The Kavli Foundation & #NSF announce four new NiCE grants to study how brains adapt to a changing world - linking genes, cells, behavior, and ecosystems.
From bees to bats to jellyfish, check out the 2025 awardees. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/4fYz8vK
#KavliNeuro #Neuroscience
From bees to bats to jellyfish, check out the 2025 awardees. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/4fYz8vK
#KavliNeuro #Neuroscience
Kavli and NSF Announce New Grant Awards to Advance Neurobiology in…
An initiative to explore how nervous systems function and evolve in dynamic natural environments
bit.ly
September 4, 2025 at 4:24 PM
🚨 We’re hiring a postdoc! 🚨
Excited for our new NiCE grant with @lauerlab.bsky.social @batwoman123.bsky.social 🎉We use a comparative approach, two-photon imaging & optogenetics to identify why bats🦇 and deer mice resist noise but lab mice don't.
If you're interested, please DM or e-mail me!
Excited for our new NiCE grant with @lauerlab.bsky.social @batwoman123.bsky.social 🎉We use a comparative approach, two-photon imaging & optogenetics to identify why bats🦇 and deer mice resist noise but lab mice don't.
If you're interested, please DM or e-mail me!
Reposted by Eric Garr
What can *genetic insensitivity to opioids* teach us about endogenous opioid function in humans?
Fully funded position in Oslo (PhD student or postdoc)
Interested in pain, mu/kappa opioids, behavioural genetics, RCTs, or related? Apply here:
2411.webcruiter.no/Main2/Recrui...
Please RT for reach
Fully funded position in Oslo (PhD student or postdoc)
Interested in pain, mu/kappa opioids, behavioural genetics, RCTs, or related? Apply here:
2411.webcruiter.no/Main2/Recrui...
Please RT for reach
Phd candidate or postdoc– Genetic determinants of opioid responsiveness
The Department of Research and Development at the Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital in collaboration with Leknes Affective Brain lab (www.affectivebrains.com) and the...
2411.webcruiter.no
August 29, 2025 at 2:20 PM
What can *genetic insensitivity to opioids* teach us about endogenous opioid function in humans?
Fully funded position in Oslo (PhD student or postdoc)
Interested in pain, mu/kappa opioids, behavioural genetics, RCTs, or related? Apply here:
2411.webcruiter.no/Main2/Recrui...
Please RT for reach
Fully funded position in Oslo (PhD student or postdoc)
Interested in pain, mu/kappa opioids, behavioural genetics, RCTs, or related? Apply here:
2411.webcruiter.no/Main2/Recrui...
Please RT for reach
Reposted by Eric Garr
TL;DR: 5 justices say Trump doesn't have to immediately restore the funding, but 5 *also* signal that the underlying directives are unlawful.
That sends a fairly strong (if mixed) message that Trump will lose these cases *eventually,* but only once they're brought in the Court of Federal Claims.
That sends a fairly strong (if mixed) message that Trump will lose these cases *eventually,* but only once they're brought in the Court of Federal Claims.
Splitting 5-4 (with Chief Justice Roberts joining the three Democratic appointees in dissent), #SCOTUS grants *partial* stay to Trump administration in NIH funding case; holds that challenges to grant terminations (but *not* the underlying guidance) need to be filed in the Court of Federal Claims:
www.supremecourt.gov
August 21, 2025 at 8:49 PM
TL;DR: 5 justices say Trump doesn't have to immediately restore the funding, but 5 *also* signal that the underlying directives are unlawful.
That sends a fairly strong (if mixed) message that Trump will lose these cases *eventually,* but only once they're brought in the Court of Federal Claims.
That sends a fairly strong (if mixed) message that Trump will lose these cases *eventually,* but only once they're brought in the Court of Federal Claims.
Reposted by Eric Garr
🚨BREAKING NEWS: RFK Jr. is a danger to this nation. Don’t give in to Trump & his cronies: we are NOT trading innovation for ideology. We demand the immediate IMPEACHMENT and REMOVAL of RFK. Stop the quack. Protect Science. Protect Democracy
Sign & share here: zurl.co/PEPyD
#StandUpForScience
Sign & share here: zurl.co/PEPyD
#StandUpForScience
August 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🚨BREAKING NEWS: RFK Jr. is a danger to this nation. Don’t give in to Trump & his cronies: we are NOT trading innovation for ideology. We demand the immediate IMPEACHMENT and REMOVAL of RFK. Stop the quack. Protect Science. Protect Democracy
Sign & share here: zurl.co/PEPyD
#StandUpForScience
Sign & share here: zurl.co/PEPyD
#StandUpForScience
Reposted by Eric Garr
This op-ed from NIH director Jay Bhattacharya is *infuriating*. He says we have to stop funding mRNA vaccine research because it hasn't "earned public trust." Motherfucker, WHO DID THAT.
Opinion | Jay Bhattacharya: Why the NIH is pivoting away from mRNA vaccines
As a vaccine for broad public use, mRNA technology has failed to earn the public’s trust.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 12, 2025 at 9:18 PM
This op-ed from NIH director Jay Bhattacharya is *infuriating*. He says we have to stop funding mRNA vaccine research because it hasn't "earned public trust." Motherfucker, WHO DID THAT.
I’m excited to share my latest paper, in which we used latent state modeling to reveal how fentanyl shapes decision-making dynamics in rats.
Here’s a summary of what we found (thread).
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Here’s a summary of what we found (thread).
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Modeling hidden cognitive states reveals acute and chronic effects of fentanyl on decision-making
The cognitive mechanisms underlying behavior are often dynamic, shifting gradually or abruptly over time scales spanning years, to weeks, to minutes. Whether drug-induced changes in learning and decis...
www.biorxiv.org
August 5, 2025 at 7:54 PM
I’m excited to share my latest paper, in which we used latent state modeling to reveal how fentanyl shapes decision-making dynamics in rats.
Here’s a summary of what we found (thread).
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Here’s a summary of what we found (thread).
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...