Ilana Witten
@ilanawitten.bsky.social
Pinned
VTA dopamine neuron activity produces spatially organized value representations https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.04.685995v1
How do VTA DA neurons sculpt downstream representations to reinforce actions? VERY excited about our new preprint (by Alex Pan Vazquez & @czimmerman.bsky.social )
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Check out our latest, online now at @sfnjournals.bsky.social www.jneurosci.org/content/earl...
Superior colliculus projections drive dopamine neuron activity and movement but not value
To navigate dynamic environments, animals must rapidly integrate sensory information and respond appropriately to gather rewards and avoid threats. It is well established that dopamine (DA) neurons in...
www.jneurosci.org
October 15, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Check out our latest, online now at @sfnjournals.bsky.social www.jneurosci.org/content/earl...
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Congratulations to Rebekah Rashford and team, it’s finally out! We tagged early life stress-activated neurons in VTA and found that chromatin those cells was much more open, even into adulthood, and that open CREs predicted greater gene expression in response to stress later in life
rdcu.be/eLa9z
rdcu.be/eLa9z
Persistent open chromatin state in early-life stress-activated cells of the VTA
Scientific Reports - Persistent open chromatin state in early-life stress-activated cells of the VTA
rdcu.be
October 15, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Congratulations to Rebekah Rashford and team, it’s finally out! We tagged early life stress-activated neurons in VTA and found that chromatin those cells was much more open, even into adulthood, and that open CREs predicted greater gene expression in response to stress later in life
rdcu.be/eLa9z
rdcu.be/eLa9z
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Our new manuscript, led by Emily Corrigan, examines inhibitory neuron diversity across approximately 160 million years of evolutionary divergence, as part of BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN) developing brain atlas package: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Conservation and alteration of mammalian striatal interneurons - Nature
An analysis of cell-type diversity in brain samples from a variety of mammalian species, both during development and in adult animals, reveals that the TAC3 initial class of striatal interneurons is c...
www.nature.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Our new manuscript, led by Emily Corrigan, examines inhibitory neuron diversity across approximately 160 million years of evolutionary divergence, as part of BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN) developing brain atlas package: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
How do VTA DA neurons sculpt downstream representations to reinforce actions? VERY excited about our new preprint (by Alex Pan Vazquez & @czimmerman.bsky.social )
VTA dopamine neuron activity produces spatially organized value representations https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.04.685995v1
November 7, 2025 at 8:46 PM
How do VTA DA neurons sculpt downstream representations to reinforce actions? VERY excited about our new preprint (by Alex Pan Vazquez & @czimmerman.bsky.social )
Reposted by Ilana Witten
I'm incredibly honored to receive the Janett Rosenberg Trubatch Career Development Award from @sfn.org SFN was the first research conference I ever attended and presented at. I feel truly humbled! Thanks to my fab research team who make me look good!
Congratulations to the 2025 SfN award & prize recipients!
Their dedication to advancing the understanding of the brain paves the way for future discoveries.
SfN looks forward to celebrating their achievements at #SfN25.
Learn about the recipients.
🔗 vist.ly/4cni8
#neurosky
Their dedication to advancing the understanding of the brain paves the way for future discoveries.
SfN looks forward to celebrating their achievements at #SfN25.
Learn about the recipients.
🔗 vist.ly/4cni8
#neurosky
November 3, 2025 at 6:58 PM
I'm incredibly honored to receive the Janett Rosenberg Trubatch Career Development Award from @sfn.org SFN was the first research conference I ever attended and presented at. I feel truly humbled! Thanks to my fab research team who make me look good!
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Join us for the second Neurobiology of Mental Health conference (May 2026) that will explore the biological mechanisms underlying mental health challenges and their treatment. Information and application on: lakeconferences.org. The deadline for applications is January 31st, 2026.
Home - Lake Conferences
lakeconferences.org
October 13, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Join us for the second Neurobiology of Mental Health conference (May 2026) that will explore the biological mechanisms underlying mental health challenges and their treatment. Information and application on: lakeconferences.org. The deadline for applications is January 31st, 2026.
NYT is looking for scientists to tell them about their projects that were cut by the administration for a new series on “lost science”: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/c...
Has Your Scientific Work Been Cut? We Want to Hear.
www.nytimes.com
October 9, 2025 at 11:17 AM
NYT is looking for scientists to tell them about their projects that were cut by the administration for a new series on “lost science”: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/c...
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Excited to hear the latest science updates from @czimmerman.bsky.social on Monday, 1-2 pm CST. You can join us too—either on Zoom or in person! bit.ly/3VOJrcy
October 5, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Excited to hear the latest science updates from @czimmerman.bsky.social on Monday, 1-2 pm CST. You can join us too—either on Zoom or in person! bit.ly/3VOJrcy
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Two flagship papers from the International Brain Laboratory, now out in @Nature.com:
🧠 Brain-wide map of neural activity during complex behaviour: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09235-0
🧠 Brain-wide representations of prior information in mouse decision-making: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09226-1 +
🧠 Brain-wide map of neural activity during complex behaviour: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09235-0
🧠 Brain-wide representations of prior information in mouse decision-making: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09226-1 +
September 3, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Two flagship papers from the International Brain Laboratory, now out in @Nature.com:
🧠 Brain-wide map of neural activity during complex behaviour: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09235-0
🧠 Brain-wide representations of prior information in mouse decision-making: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09226-1 +
🧠 Brain-wide map of neural activity during complex behaviour: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09235-0
🧠 Brain-wide representations of prior information in mouse decision-making: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09226-1 +
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Wrote a eulogy for the yellow letters in my office window. www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
My Lab Displayed A Message of Solidarity on Our Windows. Harvard Took It Down. | Opinion | The Harvard Crimson
If we continue down this path, we risk not only Harvard’s future as an institution of free inquiry and expression but also its integrity and trustworthiness.
www.thecrimson.com
August 25, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Wrote a eulogy for the yellow letters in my office window. www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Come work with us! @princetonneuro.bsky.social and the Department of Psychology at Princeton University are searching for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of human cognitive neuroscience, to be hired jointly in Psychology and Neuroscience: puwebp.princeton.edu/AcadHire/app...
puwebp.princeton.edu
August 13, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Come work with us! @princetonneuro.bsky.social and the Department of Psychology at Princeton University are searching for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of human cognitive neuroscience, to be hired jointly in Psychology and Neuroscience: puwebp.princeton.edu/AcadHire/app...
We're looking for a research assistant to work in our neuroscience lab at @princetonneuro.bsky.social @hhmi.org where we study learning and decision-making circuitry.
Apply here: research-princeton.icims.com/jobs/21001/r...
Pls share w/ anyone who might be interested!
Apply here: research-princeton.icims.com/jobs/21001/r...
Pls share w/ anyone who might be interested!
August 5, 2025 at 1:26 PM
We're looking for a research assistant to work in our neuroscience lab at @princetonneuro.bsky.social @hhmi.org where we study learning and decision-making circuitry.
Apply here: research-princeton.icims.com/jobs/21001/r...
Pls share w/ anyone who might be interested!
Apply here: research-princeton.icims.com/jobs/21001/r...
Pls share w/ anyone who might be interested!
Reposted by Ilana Witten
🚨Pre-print alert🚨
We stimulated serotonin with optogenetics while doing large-scale Neuropixel recordings across the mouse brain. We found strong widespread modulation of neural activity, but no effect on the choices of the mouse 🐭
How is this possible? Strap in! (1/9) 👇🧵
doi.org/10.1101/2025...
We stimulated serotonin with optogenetics while doing large-scale Neuropixel recordings across the mouse brain. We found strong widespread modulation of neural activity, but no effect on the choices of the mouse 🐭
How is this possible? Strap in! (1/9) 👇🧵
doi.org/10.1101/2025...
Serotonin drives choice-independent reconfiguration of distributed neural activity
Serotonin (5-HT) is a central neuromodulator which is implicated in, amongst other functions, cognitive flexibility. 5-HT is released from the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) throughout nearly the entire f...
doi.org
August 5, 2025 at 12:32 PM
🚨Pre-print alert🚨
We stimulated serotonin with optogenetics while doing large-scale Neuropixel recordings across the mouse brain. We found strong widespread modulation of neural activity, but no effect on the choices of the mouse 🐭
How is this possible? Strap in! (1/9) 👇🧵
doi.org/10.1101/2025...
We stimulated serotonin with optogenetics while doing large-scale Neuropixel recordings across the mouse brain. We found strong widespread modulation of neural activity, but no effect on the choices of the mouse 🐭
How is this possible? Strap in! (1/9) 👇🧵
doi.org/10.1101/2025...
Reposted by Ilana Witten
I’m very excited to share that I will join the University of Utah Department of Neurobiology as an Assistant Professor in Jan 2026!! 🎉🏔️🏜️
My lab will focus on body–brain interactions in learning & memory — how do signals from our internal organs remodel the brain & behavior?
My lab will focus on body–brain interactions in learning & memory — how do signals from our internal organs remodel the brain & behavior?
July 8, 2025 at 4:48 PM
I’m very excited to share that I will join the University of Utah Department of Neurobiology as an Assistant Professor in Jan 2026!! 🎉🏔️🏜️
My lab will focus on body–brain interactions in learning & memory — how do signals from our internal organs remodel the brain & behavior?
My lab will focus on body–brain interactions in learning & memory — how do signals from our internal organs remodel the brain & behavior?
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Am I pregnant? Pregnancy tests have been around since ancient Egypt, but did you know the first reliable at home test was the result of publicly funded science? The first hCG sensitive test was first developed by scientists at the NIH.
Learn more here: publicusaresearchbenefits.com/examples/202...
Learn more here: publicusaresearchbenefits.com/examples/202...
NIH reproduction research creates the world's first reliable at-home pregnancy test
NIH funding for what was then cutting edge research into human reproductive biology lead to the study of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which could be used to check for pregnancy in a...
publicusaresearchbenefits.com
May 31, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Am I pregnant? Pregnancy tests have been around since ancient Egypt, but did you know the first reliable at home test was the result of publicly funded science? The first hCG sensitive test was first developed by scientists at the NIH.
Learn more here: publicusaresearchbenefits.com/examples/202...
Learn more here: publicusaresearchbenefits.com/examples/202...
Reposted by Ilana Witten
we're crowd-sourcing a searchable repository of tangible benefits stemming from federally-funded research. Come enjoy the great stories; or send in an idea; or volunteer to join the team.
publicusaresearchbenefits.com
please re-post so we get more great stories in there!
publicusaresearchbenefits.com
please re-post so we get more great stories in there!
Searchable database of tangible benefits that federally-funded research gave us.
A crowd-sourced site. Health and Well-being. National Security. Prosperity.
publicusaresearchbenefits.com
May 24, 2025 at 2:46 AM
we're crowd-sourcing a searchable repository of tangible benefits stemming from federally-funded research. Come enjoy the great stories; or send in an idea; or volunteer to join the team.
publicusaresearchbenefits.com
please re-post so we get more great stories in there!
publicusaresearchbenefits.com
please re-post so we get more great stories in there!
Reposted by Ilana Witten
America cannot long remain free, nor first among nations, if it becomes the kind of place where universities are dismantled because they don't align politically with the current head of the government.
May 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM
America cannot long remain free, nor first among nations, if it becomes the kind of place where universities are dismantled because they don't align politically with the current head of the government.
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Scientists whose Science Homecoming op-eds are mentioned in this Nature story include @flagel-lab.bsky.social @keananjoyner.bsky.social @magpine.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
How we’re battling Trump’s science cuts across small-town America
Neuroscientist Jessica Cantlon is urging scientists to use the power of local newspapers in the fight against US research-funding cuts.
www.nature.com
April 23, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Scientists whose Science Homecoming op-eds are mentioned in this Nature story include @flagel-lab.bsky.social @keananjoyner.bsky.social @magpine.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Now there's a memorable stat!
"Colleges and universities are among America’s most competitive international exporters. In dollar terms, last year, the United States sold more educational services to the rest of the world than it sold in natural gas and coal combined."
wapo.st/3EvzMCI
"Colleges and universities are among America’s most competitive international exporters. In dollar terms, last year, the United States sold more educational services to the rest of the world than it sold in natural gas and coal combined."
wapo.st/3EvzMCI
Opinion | Trump is killing one of our strongest exports
The president wants to balance U.S. trade deficits? He can’t do it without this industry he hates.
wapo.st
April 15, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Now there's a memorable stat!
"Colleges and universities are among America’s most competitive international exporters. In dollar terms, last year, the United States sold more educational services to the rest of the world than it sold in natural gas and coal combined."
wapo.st/3EvzMCI
"Colleges and universities are among America’s most competitive international exporters. In dollar terms, last year, the United States sold more educational services to the rest of the world than it sold in natural gas and coal combined."
wapo.st/3EvzMCI
Reposted by Ilana Witten
My statement calling for the rightful return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia
April 15, 2025 at 10:15 PM
My statement calling for the rightful return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia
Reposted by Ilana Witten
How do we associate the flavors we experience during a meal 🍽️😋 with postingestive effects like food poisoning 🤢🤮 that arise much later?
Our answer in @nature.com this week: Illness signals from the gut reactivate and strengthen flavor representations in the amygdala.
📄: nature.com/articles/s41...
Our answer in @nature.com this week: Illness signals from the gut reactivate and strengthen flavor representations in the amygdala.
📄: nature.com/articles/s41...
A neural mechanism for learning from delayed postingestive feedback - Nature
Illness signals from the gut reactivate and strengthen flavour representations in the amygdala to support learning from delayed postingestive feedback.
www.nature.com
April 3, 2025 at 6:34 PM
How do we associate the flavors we experience during a meal 🍽️😋 with postingestive effects like food poisoning 🤢🤮 that arise much later?
Our answer in @nature.com this week: Illness signals from the gut reactivate and strengthen flavor representations in the amygdala.
📄: nature.com/articles/s41...
Our answer in @nature.com this week: Illness signals from the gut reactivate and strengthen flavor representations in the amygdala.
📄: nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Ilana Witten
One bad oyster, lasting brain change 🧠 Princeton neuroscientist @czimmerman.bsky.social reveals how a bad meal creates a lasting foul food memory.
📰: pni.princeton.edu/news/2025/ho...
📰: pni.princeton.edu/news/2025/ho...
How the brain remembers what gave you food poisoning
We've all been there: one bad oyster ruins seafood forever. Now, Princeton neuroscientists have pinpointed how the brain stores memories for these powerful food aversions in mice. The new results reve...
pni.princeton.edu
April 2, 2025 at 3:37 PM
One bad oyster, lasting brain change 🧠 Princeton neuroscientist @czimmerman.bsky.social reveals how a bad meal creates a lasting foul food memory.
📰: pni.princeton.edu/news/2025/ho...
📰: pni.princeton.edu/news/2025/ho...
Reposted by Ilana Witten
Ever sworn off a food after a bad experience? Your brain knows what made you sick, even many hours later.
@czimmerman.bsky.social, from @princetonneuro.bsky.social studies how the brain learns from delayed post-ingestive feedback.
Read more in our Q&A:
www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/qa/it-mu...
@czimmerman.bsky.social, from @princetonneuro.bsky.social studies how the brain learns from delayed post-ingestive feedback.
Read more in our Q&A:
www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/qa/it-mu...
March 31, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Ever sworn off a food after a bad experience? Your brain knows what made you sick, even many hours later.
@czimmerman.bsky.social, from @princetonneuro.bsky.social studies how the brain learns from delayed post-ingestive feedback.
Read more in our Q&A:
www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/qa/it-mu...
@czimmerman.bsky.social, from @princetonneuro.bsky.social studies how the brain learns from delayed post-ingestive feedback.
Read more in our Q&A:
www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/qa/it-mu...
Reposted by Ilana Witten
"We are passionate about science and its benefits to society, but we fear more what will happen if we do not help defend everyone’s fundamental rights." Op-ed I co-wrote w/ @samwang.bsky.social @jpillowtime.bsky.social @ilanawitten.bsky.social & David Tank www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2025...
To stop intimidation, Eisgruber needs your help
When targeting one institution is a bald attempt to divide and conquer, as is the case with Columbia, it is essential for a coalition or group of institutions and individuals to stand up together.&nbs...
www.dailyprincetonian.com
March 25, 2025 at 7:31 PM
"We are passionate about science and its benefits to society, but we fear more what will happen if we do not help defend everyone’s fundamental rights." Op-ed I co-wrote w/ @samwang.bsky.social @jpillowtime.bsky.social @ilanawitten.bsky.social & David Tank www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Ilana Witten
"If you don’t like what is happening to this country, you don’t need to wait for someone to come along and save it: You need each other."
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/o...
Opinion | There Is a Way for Democrats to Stop Trump and Save America (Gift Article)
The Democratic Party can’t stop America’s spiral into autocracy and oligarchy unless it casts off its stale talking points and reimagines what it stands for.
www.nytimes.com
March 24, 2025 at 10:51 AM
"If you don’t like what is happening to this country, you don’t need to wait for someone to come along and save it: You need each other."
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/o...