2026
NEW. Choudhary V*, Heller CR*, Aimon S, de Sardenberg Schmid L, Li JM*, Robson DN*. Eye movement kinematics reveal novel circadian organization of sleep substates. Nature Communications 17, 4068 (2026).
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-72222-0
Press coverage:
NEW. Hendricks JM, Choudhary V, Heller CR, van Gemert M, Hornikx DLAH, Broekman S, Peters T, Zethof J, Hensman J, Boon CJF, Robson DN, Li JM, Ligterink R, Kleinhout-van Vuuren A, Endenburg SC, Boss HM, Collin RWJ, Metz JR, de Vrieze E & van Wijk E. Usherin in the pineal gland: altered sleep in zebrafish models of Usher syndrome type 2a. bioRxiv (2026).
DOI: 10.64898/2026.03.09.710525
2024
Yang C, Mammen L, Kim B, Robson DN*, Li JM*. A population code for spatial representation in the zebrafish telencephalon. Nature (2024).
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07867-2 | Read online
Commentary and press:
Coomer CE, Naumova D, Talay M, Zolyomi B, Snell NJ, Sorkac A, Michel Chanchu J, Cheng J, Roman I, Li JM, Robson DN, McLean DL, Barnea G, Halpern ME & Carney ND. Transsynaptic labeling and transcriptional control of zebrafish neural circuits. Nature Neuroscience 28(1), 189–200 (2024).
DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01815-z
2022
Grun S, Li JM, McNaughton B, Petersen C, McCormick D, Robson DN, Buzsaki G, Harris K, Sejnowski T, Mrsic-Flogel T, Linden H & Roland PE. Emerging principles of spacetime in brains: Meeting report on spatial neurodynamics. Neuron 110(12), 1894–1898 (2022).
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.05.018
Robson DN & Li JM. A dynamical systems view of neuroethology: uncovering stateful computation in natural behaviors. Current Opinion in Neurobiology 73 (2022).
DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.01.002
Dempsey WP, Du Z, Nadtochiy A, Smith CD, Czajkowski K, Andreev A, Robson DN, Li JM, Applebaum S, Truong TV, Kesselman C, Fraser SE & Arnold DB. Regional synapse gain and loss accompany memory formation in larval zebrafish. PNAS 119(3), e2107661119 (2022).
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107661119
2020
Marques JC*, Li M*, Schaak D, Robson DN*, Li JM*. Internal state dynamics shape brainwide activity and foraging behaviour. Nature 577, 239–243 (2020).
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1858-z | Read online
Commentary and press:
Lin Q, Manley J, Helmreich M, Schlumm F, Li JM, Robson DN, Engert F, Schier AF, Nobauer T & Vaziri A. Cerebellar Neurodynamics Predict Decision Timing and Outcome on the Single-Trial Level. Cell 180(3), 536–551.e17 (2020).
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.12.018
2019
Kandel ME, Hu C, Naseri-Kouzehgarani G, Min E, Sullivan KM, Kong H, Li JM, Robson DN, Gillette MU, Best-Popescu C & Popescu G. Epi-illumination gradient light interference microscopy for imaging opaque structures. Nature Communications (2019).
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12634-3
2018
Haesemeyer M, Robson DN, Li JM, Schier AF & Engert F. A brain wide circuit model of heat evoked swimming behavior in larval zebrafish. Neuron 98(4), 817–831.e6 (2018).
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.04.013
2017
Kim DH, Kim J, Marques JC, Grama A, Hildebrand DGC, Gu W, Li JM*, Robson DN*. Pan-neuronal calcium imaging with cellular resolution in freely swimming zebrafish. Nature Methods 14(11), 1107–1114 (2017).
DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.4429 | Read online
Commentary and press:
Schoppik D, Bianco IH, Prober DA, Douglass AD, Robson DN, Li JM, Greenwood J, Soucy E, Engert F & Schier AF. Gaze-stabilizing central vestibular neurons project asymmetrically to extraocular motoneuron pools. Journal of Neuroscience 37(47), 11353–11365 (2017).
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1711-17.2017
2015
Haesemeyer M, Robson DN, Li JM, Schier AF & Engert F. The Structure and Timescales of Heat Perception in Larval Zebrafish. Cell Systems 1, 338–348 (2015).
DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2015.10.010
Lacoste A, Schoppik D, Robson DN, Haesemeyer M, Portugues R, Li JM, Engert F & Schier AF. A convergent and essential interneuron pathway for Mauthner-cell-mediated escapes. Current Biology 25(11), 1526–1534 (2015).
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.04.025
2012–2013
Ahrens MB, Orger MB, Robson DN, Li JM, Keller PJ. Whole-brain functional imaging at cellular resolution using light-sheet microscopy. Nature Methods 10(5), 413–420 (2013).
DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.2434
Bianco IH, Ma LH, Schoppik D, Robson DN, Orger MB, Beck JC, Li JM, Schier AF, Engert F & Baker R. The tangential nucleus controls a gravito-inertial vestibulo-ocular reflex. Current Biology 22(14), 1285–1295 (2012).
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.05.026
Ahrens MB, Li JM, Orger MB, Robson DN, Schier AF, Engert F & Portugues R. Brain-wide neuronal dynamics during motor adaptation in zebrafish. Nature 485(7399), 471–477 (2012).
DOI: 10.1038/nature11057
Muller P, Rogers KW, Jordan BM, Lee JS, Robson DN, Ramanathan S & Schier AF. Differential diffusivity of Nodal and Lefty underlies a reaction-diffusion patterning system. Science 336(6082), 721–724 (2012).
DOI: 10.1126/science.1221920
2005–2009
Lu X, Li JM, Elemento O, Tavazoie S & Wieschaus EF. Coupling of zygotic transcription to mitotic control at the Drosophila mid-blastula transition. Development 136(12), 2101–2110 (2009).
DOI: 10.1242/dev.034421
Frydman HM, Li JM, Robson DN & Wieschaus E. Somatic Stem Cell Niche Tropism in Wolbachia. Nature 441(7092), 509–512 (2006).
DOI: 10.1038/nature04756
Ferree PM*, Frydman HM*, Li JM, Cao J, Wieschaus E & Sullivan W. Wolbachia Utilizes Host Microtubules and Dynein for Anterior Localization in the Drosophila Oocyte. PLoS Pathogens 1(2), e14 (2005).
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.0010014
Myers CL, Robson DN, Wible A, Hibbs MA, Chiriac C, Theesfeld CL, Dolinski K & Troyanskaya OG. Discovery of biological networks from diverse functional genomic data. Genome Biology 6(13), R114 (2005).
DOI: 10.1186/gb-2005-6-13-r114
* equal contribution
NEW. Choudhary V*, Heller CR*, Aimon S, de Sardenberg Schmid L, Li JM*, Robson DN*. Eye movement kinematics reveal novel circadian organization of sleep substates. Nature Communications 17, 4068 (2026).
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-72222-0
Press coverage:
- New York Times: Fish Sleep a Lot Like Us. They Even Nap. (May 27, 2026)
- Max Planck Institute press release: Fish Have Complex Sleep Architecture
NEW. Hendricks JM, Choudhary V, Heller CR, van Gemert M, Hornikx DLAH, Broekman S, Peters T, Zethof J, Hensman J, Boon CJF, Robson DN, Li JM, Ligterink R, Kleinhout-van Vuuren A, Endenburg SC, Boss HM, Collin RWJ, Metz JR, de Vrieze E & van Wijk E. Usherin in the pineal gland: altered sleep in zebrafish models of Usher syndrome type 2a. bioRxiv (2026).
DOI: 10.64898/2026.03.09.710525
2024
Yang C, Mammen L, Kim B, Robson DN*, Li JM*. A population code for spatial representation in the zebrafish telencephalon. Nature (2024).
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07867-2 | Read online
Commentary and press:
- Cho FS & Giocomo LM. Spatial representation: How fish know their place. Current Biology 34, R1073–R1075 (2024).
- The Transmitter: Montanari S, ‘Place cells’ help guide freely swimming zebrafish larvae (2024).
Coomer CE, Naumova D, Talay M, Zolyomi B, Snell NJ, Sorkac A, Michel Chanchu J, Cheng J, Roman I, Li JM, Robson DN, McLean DL, Barnea G, Halpern ME & Carney ND. Transsynaptic labeling and transcriptional control of zebrafish neural circuits. Nature Neuroscience 28(1), 189–200 (2024).
DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01815-z
2022
Grun S, Li JM, McNaughton B, Petersen C, McCormick D, Robson DN, Buzsaki G, Harris K, Sejnowski T, Mrsic-Flogel T, Linden H & Roland PE. Emerging principles of spacetime in brains: Meeting report on spatial neurodynamics. Neuron 110(12), 1894–1898 (2022).
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.05.018
Robson DN & Li JM. A dynamical systems view of neuroethology: uncovering stateful computation in natural behaviors. Current Opinion in Neurobiology 73 (2022).
DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.01.002
Dempsey WP, Du Z, Nadtochiy A, Smith CD, Czajkowski K, Andreev A, Robson DN, Li JM, Applebaum S, Truong TV, Kesselman C, Fraser SE & Arnold DB. Regional synapse gain and loss accompany memory formation in larval zebrafish. PNAS 119(3), e2107661119 (2022).
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107661119
2020
Marques JC*, Li M*, Schaak D, Robson DN*, Li JM*. Internal state dynamics shape brainwide activity and foraging behaviour. Nature 577, 239–243 (2020).
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1858-z | Read online
Commentary and press:
- News and Views: Scott E. Brain states behind exploring and hunting revealed. Nature (2019).
- Harvard Gazette: Siliezar J. Uncovering the switch that controls brain state (2019).
- News Feature: Abbott A. Inside the mind of an animal. Nature (2020).
- Simons Foundation: Hacker C. New Insight into the Hidden States of the Brain (2022).
Lin Q, Manley J, Helmreich M, Schlumm F, Li JM, Robson DN, Engert F, Schier AF, Nobauer T & Vaziri A. Cerebellar Neurodynamics Predict Decision Timing and Outcome on the Single-Trial Level. Cell 180(3), 536–551.e17 (2020).
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.12.018
2019
Kandel ME, Hu C, Naseri-Kouzehgarani G, Min E, Sullivan KM, Kong H, Li JM, Robson DN, Gillette MU, Best-Popescu C & Popescu G. Epi-illumination gradient light interference microscopy for imaging opaque structures. Nature Communications (2019).
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12634-3
2018
Haesemeyer M, Robson DN, Li JM, Schier AF & Engert F. A brain wide circuit model of heat evoked swimming behavior in larval zebrafish. Neuron 98(4), 817–831.e6 (2018).
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.04.013
2017
Kim DH, Kim J, Marques JC, Grama A, Hildebrand DGC, Gu W, Li JM*, Robson DN*. Pan-neuronal calcium imaging with cellular resolution in freely swimming zebrafish. Nature Methods 14(11), 1107–1114 (2017).
DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.4429 | Read online
Commentary and press:
- F1000Prime: Exceptional rating, recommended by Eisen J (2017).
- News and Views: Thouvenin O & Wyart C. Tracking microscopy enables whole-brain imaging in freely moving zebrafish. Nature Methods 14(11), 1041–1042 (2017).
- Research Highlight: Kling J. A DIFFerent way to keep up with zebrafish. Lab Animal 46(11), 413 (2017).
Schoppik D, Bianco IH, Prober DA, Douglass AD, Robson DN, Li JM, Greenwood J, Soucy E, Engert F & Schier AF. Gaze-stabilizing central vestibular neurons project asymmetrically to extraocular motoneuron pools. Journal of Neuroscience 37(47), 11353–11365 (2017).
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1711-17.2017
2015
Haesemeyer M, Robson DN, Li JM, Schier AF & Engert F. The Structure and Timescales of Heat Perception in Larval Zebrafish. Cell Systems 1, 338–348 (2015).
DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2015.10.010
Lacoste A, Schoppik D, Robson DN, Haesemeyer M, Portugues R, Li JM, Engert F & Schier AF. A convergent and essential interneuron pathway for Mauthner-cell-mediated escapes. Current Biology 25(11), 1526–1534 (2015).
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.04.025
2012–2013
Ahrens MB, Orger MB, Robson DN, Li JM, Keller PJ. Whole-brain functional imaging at cellular resolution using light-sheet microscopy. Nature Methods 10(5), 413–420 (2013).
DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.2434
Bianco IH, Ma LH, Schoppik D, Robson DN, Orger MB, Beck JC, Li JM, Schier AF, Engert F & Baker R. The tangential nucleus controls a gravito-inertial vestibulo-ocular reflex. Current Biology 22(14), 1285–1295 (2012).
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.05.026
Ahrens MB, Li JM, Orger MB, Robson DN, Schier AF, Engert F & Portugues R. Brain-wide neuronal dynamics during motor adaptation in zebrafish. Nature 485(7399), 471–477 (2012).
DOI: 10.1038/nature11057
Muller P, Rogers KW, Jordan BM, Lee JS, Robson DN, Ramanathan S & Schier AF. Differential diffusivity of Nodal and Lefty underlies a reaction-diffusion patterning system. Science 336(6082), 721–724 (2012).
DOI: 10.1126/science.1221920
2005–2009
Lu X, Li JM, Elemento O, Tavazoie S & Wieschaus EF. Coupling of zygotic transcription to mitotic control at the Drosophila mid-blastula transition. Development 136(12), 2101–2110 (2009).
DOI: 10.1242/dev.034421
Frydman HM, Li JM, Robson DN & Wieschaus E. Somatic Stem Cell Niche Tropism in Wolbachia. Nature 441(7092), 509–512 (2006).
DOI: 10.1038/nature04756
Ferree PM*, Frydman HM*, Li JM, Cao J, Wieschaus E & Sullivan W. Wolbachia Utilizes Host Microtubules and Dynein for Anterior Localization in the Drosophila Oocyte. PLoS Pathogens 1(2), e14 (2005).
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.0010014
Myers CL, Robson DN, Wible A, Hibbs MA, Chiriac C, Theesfeld CL, Dolinski K & Troyanskaya OG. Discovery of biological networks from diverse functional genomic data. Genome Biology 6(13), R114 (2005).
DOI: 10.1186/gb-2005-6-13-r114
* equal contribution