In our lab we study the way networks of spiking neurons give rise to
memory. We aim to understand the local circuit mechanisms which
underlie memory – short term memory and learning. We focus on the level of
neuronal spiking. 
For that, we continuously develop new technologies which allow us to bi-
directionally interface with the brain of free-behaving animals at the
spatiotemporal resolution of a single neuron and of a single spike. We then
combine high-density extracellular recordings with multi-site and multi-color
electrical, optogenetic and pharmacological manipulations of dozens to
hundreds of neurons simultaneously in freely moving rodents that perform
memory tasks. By recording, characterizing, and manipulating spiking activity of
multiple neurons in real time, we can record, erase, and write individual spikes
while observing the effect of these manipulations on memory-guided behavior. 
Our approach is to train a subject to perform a memory task, and then identify
the underlying code by replacing relevant external stimuli by synthetic multi-
neuronal activity patterns. If the performance is above chance, the pattern has
mnemonic relevance. We believe that this unique approach may help uncover
the way the brain codes information.