The Intersection of Art + Science

​As an invited founding member of the newly formed Creative Team supporting Dr. Xingman Xu and the Augmented Reality Team at the University of California, Irvine's Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, the potential to help identify cutting edge advances in the ability to examine the genetic impacts of ionizing radiation on human neural pathways is another of Victoria's commitments to support research and global studies.  

The genetic impacts of ionizing radiation—through DNA damage, epigenetic modifications, and stem cell disruption—can significantly impair neural circuit formation and plasticity. These effects ultimately reduce the brain's ability to adapt, rewire, and function optimally, influencing how neural circuits are mapped and understood in both research and clinical applications. 

As an invited founding member of the newly formed Creative Team supporting Dr. Xingman Xu and the Augmented Reality Team at the University of California, Irvine's  Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, the potential to help identify cutting edge advances in the ability to examine the genetic impacts of ionizing radiation on human neural pathways is another commitment to support research and global studies. 

​The success of the 2024 symposium led to a variety of events in development for 2025,
​including the October international conference in Los Angeles. 

What is the Neural Circuit Mapping Connection?

Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation can have significant genetic impacts that, in turn, affect neural circuit brain mapping potentials. This link arises through several biological mechanisms:

Genetic Impacts of Ionizing Radiation
DNA Damage and Mutagenesis

• Ionizing radiation can cause direct DNA damage, including double-strand breaks, point mutations, and chromosomal aberrations.
• These genetic alterations can lead to apoptosis (cell death) or faulty DNA repair mechanisms, resulting in long-term genomic instability.

Epigenetic Modifications

• Radiation exposure can alter DNA methylation and histone modifications, affecting gene expression without directly changing DNA sequences.
• These epigenetic changes may influence the regulation of genes essential for brain development and neural plasticity.

Neural Stem Cell Disruption

• Neural progenitor and stem cells in the brain are highly sensitive to radiation-induced damage.
• Radiation can impair neurogenesis (formation of new neurons), leading to deficits in brain connectivity and function.

​
Effects on Neural Circuit Brain Mapping Potentials
Altered Synaptic Plasticity

• Genetic mutations and epigenetic changes can disrupt the formation and maintenance of synapses, impacting neural circuit stability.
• This affects learning, memory, and cognitive flexibility, limiting the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize its networks effectively.

Cognitive and Behavioral Deficits

• Radiation-induced neuroinflammation and cellular damage can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and cognitive impairments.
• These changes manifest as deficits in spatial memory, executive function, and sensory processing, altering neural circuit mapping.

Impaired Connectivity and Functional Mapping

• Radiation can lead to white matter damage and axonal degeneration, reducing the efficiency of neural communication.
• This results in disrupted brain mapping potential, making it harder to accurately track or predict neural circuit functions.​