M. Christopher Newland Ph.D.
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Alumni Professor Behavioral Toxicology and Pharmacology Department of Psychology 226 Thach Hall Auburn University Alabama, 36849
newlamc@auburn.edu
Research ActivitiesNeurobehavioral Toxicity of MethylmercuryBehavioral Toxicology and Pharmacology.Experimental Models of Abnormal Development and Aging.Experimental Analysis of Behavior.Laboratory Automation.Methods Development.My students and I investigate basic principles of operant behavior and how these principles might help us to understand the actions of drugs and environmental contaminants that alter or disrupt behavior. For example, we have learned that developmental exposure to a compound, methylmercury, that perturbs the development of the brain can have life-long effects on voluntary behavior and, especially, the expression of choice. Using animal models we are exploring the possibility that this is linked to a basic perturbation in the sensitivity of behavior to reinforcing consequences and its mediation by a neurotransmitter, dopamine. Thus, we bring together basic principles of behavior analysis, psychopharmacology, and environmental neurotoxicology to gain an an understanding of abnormal development. Aging is the other side of development, and we have also explored how contaminant exposures, even very early in development, have effects that become apparent only as aging takes its toll. In fact, early exposures can actually hasten the onset of aging. One model that we have been working with is methylmercury, a neurotoxic substance found in fish. Our research suggests that exposure to very low levels can have subtle and long-lasting effects on behavioral. This is important in discussing the extent to which people can safely consume methylmercury-containing foods, such as certain fish. We have developed a laboratory model to be used in ecotoxicological contexts. Using bluegill, we are developing a quantitative model of foraging that we hope can be used to evaluate sublethal effects of contamination in aquatic systems. We are currently examining procedures for studying operant behavior in mice. In this research we are comparing different response devices and consequences so we can examining reinforcement processes and choice in different strains. A theme throughout the research in the lab is laboratory automation. We conduct multiple experiments with large number of subjects and this requires the management and processing of huge data sets. We are poised to contribute approaches to using operant behavior in situations that demand "high-throughput."
TeachingIn my teaching, like in my research, I link what we know about behavor to other areas of science, and especially the neurosciences. Topics that I teach include Behavioral Neuroscience (yearly), Behavioral Pharmacology (yearly), Behavioral Effects of Environmental Contaminants (bi-annually), Context and Consequences of Behavior (about every three years). The teaching link will get to other courses.
Contact Information
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