Professor from Research and Advanced Studies Center of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico
Dr. Carmen Vivar is a distinguished neuroscientist specializing in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. She is currently a professor at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV) of the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City. Dr. Vivar leads the Laboratory of Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity within the Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Neuroscience. Her research primarily focuses on the effects of physical activity on brain function, particularly how exercise influences neurogenesis and cognitive processes. Dr. Vivar has an extensive publication record, contributing significantly to the understanding of hippocampal function and its role in learning and memory. Her work has been widely cited, reflecting her impact on the field of neuroscience.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Vivar earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Neuroscience at CINVESTAV. During her doctoral studies, she focused on the electrophysiological properties of hippocampal neurons and their role in synaptic plasticity. Her research provided valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying learning and memory. This strong foundation in cellular neuroscience has been instrumental in shaping her subsequent research endeavors.
Professional Experience
Following her Ph.D., Dr. Vivar pursued postdoctoral research at the National Institute on Aging, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health in Baltimore, Maryland. There, she investigated the impact of aging on neurogenesis and cognitive function. She also served as a guest researcher at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine’s Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at New York University, where she studied the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. Dr. Vivar’s international experience has enriched her research perspective and collaborations.
Research Interests
Dr. Vivar’s research interests encompass adult neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and the effects of physical exercise on brain function. She is particularly interested in how voluntary physical activity enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and improves cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Her studies aim to bridge the gap between animal models and human applications, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases and age-related cognitive decline.
Research Skills
Dr. Vivar possesses expertise in electrophysiology, neurophysiology, and cellular neuroscience. She is skilled in techniques such as in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological recordings, immunohistochemistry, and behavioral assessments related to learning and memory. Her proficiency in these methodologies enables her to investigate the intricate relationships between neuronal activity, synaptic plasticity, and behavior.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Dr. Vivar has received recognition for her contributions to neuroscience. Her research has garnered significant citations, reflecting its impact on the scientific community. Additionally, she has been invited to speak at various international conferences and seminars, highlighting her expertise in the field. Her role as a guest speaker at events such as the Florida Atlantic Neuroscience Seminar Series underscores her standing in the scientific community.
Conclusion
Dr. Carmen Vivar’s dedication to understanding the mechanisms of neurogenesis and neuroplasticity has significantly advanced the field of neuroscience. Her research on the interplay between physical activity and brain function offers promising avenues for therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive aging. Through her extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Vivar continues to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of the brain’s capacity for adaptation and regeneration.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Running Reverses Chronic Stress‐Induced Changes in Serotonergic Modulation of Hippocampal Granule Cells and Altered Behavioural Responses
Authors: Carmen Soto, Lazaro P. Orihuela, Grego Apostol, Carmen Vivar
Year: 2025
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Title: Entorhinal cortex–hippocampal circuit connectivity in health and disease
Authors: Melissa Hernández-Frausto, Carmen Vivar
Year: 2024
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Title: Running throughout Middle-Age Keeps Old Adult-Born Neurons Wired
Authors: Carmen Vivar, Benjamin D. Peterson, Alejandro Pinto, Emma Janke, Henriette van Praag
Year: 2023
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Title: Rabies Virus Tracing of Monosynaptic Inputs to Adult-Born Granule Cells
Author: Carmen Vivar
Year: 2022
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Title: Long-term taurine administration improves motor skills in a tubulinopathy rat model by decreasing oxidative stress and promoting myelination
Author: Carmen Vivar
Year: 2021
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Title: Exercise and Hippocampal Memory Systems
Authors: Voss, M.W.; Soto, C.; Yoo, S.; Sodoma, M.; Vivar, C.; van Praag, H.
Year: 2019
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Title: Running changes the brain: The long and the short of it
Authors: Vivar, C.; Van Praag, H.
Year: 2017
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Title: Running reorganizes the circuitry of one-week-old adult-born hippocampal neurons
Authors: Sah, N.; Peterson, B.D.; Lubejko, S.T.; Vivar, C.; Van Praag, H.
Year: 2017
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Title: Adult hippocampal neurogenesis, aging and neurodegenerative diseases: Possible strategies to prevent cognitive impairment
Author: Vivar, C.
Year: 2015
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Title: Plant-derived flavanol (-)epicatechin mitigates anxiety in association with elevated hippocampal monoamine and BDNF levels, but does not influence pattern separation in mice
Authors: Stringer, T.P.; Guerrieri, D.; Vivar, C.; Van Praag, H.
Year: 2015
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Title: Running rewires the neuronal network of adult-born dentate granule cells
Author: Carmen Vivar
Year: 2015