Anatomy and Anthropology
Seven independent research teams at the Department of Anatomy and Anthropology work on a large variety of topics, including different aspects of human biology. Some of these groups are linked to the Dan David Center- Human Evolution & Biohistory Research and some are linked to the Sagol School of Neuroscience. The Department researchers offer a variety of project topics for B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. students.
Physical/Biological Anthropology Research teams
Head of the Bone Biology Research Laboratory
Bone structure and strength regulation mechanisms in health and illness. These investigations include genetic regulation (locating new genes), endocrine regulation (sex hormones, erythropoietin), and the impact of inflammatory processes on bone homeostasis. The lab also probes the effects of the endocannabinoid system (cannabis-like) on the skeleton.
Head of the Dan David Laboratory for the Search and Study of Modern Humans, linked to the Dan David Center- Human Evolution & Biohistory Research. The lab deals with topics related to the origin of anatomically modern Homo sapiens and their relationship with other groups, such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. The lab focuses on the study of human fossils excavated in Israel, and using state-of-the art research methods, tries to unveil human developmental stages, of the individual, as well as of the group. Our research interests include morphological adaptations along the evolutionary process and investigates their functional meaning.
Research is focused on the regulation of reaction to pain by the opioid system and the interaction between this system and other neurological systems; the importance of the hippocampus and the cognitive influences of minimal brain injury in learning and memory systems; and influence of drugs on performance level in hippocampus-related behaviors. Prof. Pick also heads the Sylvan Adams Sports Institute.
Head of the Laboratory of Bio-History and Evolutionary Medicine, linked to Dan David Center- Human Evolution & Biohistory Research
Our research interests include understanding the relationships between long term evolutionary processes and changes in human lifestyle and health; investigating the biological and cultural characters of prehistoric populations in the Levant with the aid of morphological and molecular (genetic) methods; and developing new methods of bone morphology characterization for research and for forensic anthropologists for age and gender identification.
Head of the Laboratory of Human Brain Imaging, which is linked to the Sagol School of Neuroscience.
Work in the laboratory is focused on exploring the relations between brain structure, function, and human behavior using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The lab also focuses on studying the base of interpersonal differences of human behavior, and how these differences are related to brain structure and connectivity between different brain areas, and learning-related brain plasticity. We also investigate brain structure, function, and connectivity in healthy compared to mentally ill people, and conduct studies on brain function during rest in order to explore the brain structure-function relationship.
Dr. Viviane Slon
Head of The Ancient DNA Laboratory, linked to the Dan David Center- Human Evolution & Biohistory Research and the Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry.
Our research fields include reconstruction of the genetic history of prehistoric populations, focusing on ancient populations of the Levant, using DNA extraction from fossils and archeological sediments. To achieve this goal, the lab is engaged in developing practical and analytical methods, geared to the challenges involved in DNA preservation over time, especially in warm climate areas.
