Michael Yartsev studies the neural mechanisms of natural behaviors. This includes how the brain subserves our ability to navigate, socialize, and communicate. To do this, he utilizes a rather unusual model system in neuroscience – the bat. This mammal possesses extraordinary abilities for the functions Yartsev is interested in, and importantly, allows studying them in a rigorous way and under natural conditions. To enable this research, Yartsev’s lab has been pioneering a suite of cutting-edge technologies that allow studies of neural circuits in freely behaving and flying bats at unprecedented levels of detail. With this combined approach, Yartsev aims to uncover the brain mechanisms that subserve complex and natural behaviors.
HHMI scientists Michael Yartsev and Gerald Carter are uncovering how bats learn, remember, and form social bonds — findings that could reshape how we understand our own brains and behaviors.