Exploring Interarea Communication during a Birdsong Learning Task via Local Field Potential

Supervisor
Corinna Lorenz, Dr. Janie Ondracek, Prof. Richard Hahnloser
Institution
ETHZ and TMU
Publication
Co-author of Sharp Waves, Bursts, and Coherence: Activity in a Songbird Vocal Circuit Is Influenced by Behavioral State , published in The Journal of Neuroscience, 2025.

Abstract

I had the opportunity to conduct an analysis of neuroelectrophysiological data recorded in songbirds. I applied my computing skills to create an exploratory GUI using Matlab. The goal was to observe local field potentials (LFPs) and spiking activity. I was able to prove that the dynamics of signals from two different brain areas responsible for the generation of song diversity tend to synchronize during sleep stages. I also applied a similar analysis on a bird performing a pitch-learning task to search for the presence of phase-lock LFP signals, which indicate signs of learning. This project allowed me to improve my skills in signal processing and big data analysis, as well as offering me a solid introduction to spiking activity and communication between populations of neurons.

Squared coherence across channels during SWS sleeping stages
Squared coherence across channels during SWS sleeping stages.
Squared coherence across channels during REM sleeping stages
Squared coherence across channels during REM sleeping stages.

Personal Outcome

Firstly, I was happy to identify within the dataset the well-known Slow sleep wave, a phenomenon I had heard about in numerous studies. Later on, I found myself captivated by the progression of these coherence waves through time.