# Frequently asked questions — Department of Neurophysiology, Kobe University Answers are based only on public information. Last updated: 2026-10-16. ## What does the Department of Neurophysiology at Kobe University study? The Department of Neurophysiology at Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine investigates how the sleeping brain consolidates memory. The laboratory dissects the REM-sleep circuits that integrate adult-born neurons into memory traces, develops tools that decode sleep stages in real time, explores memory reactivation through sound during sleep, and translates these findings toward clinical applications, with a focus on PTSD. It collaborates with NCNP, IIIS Tsukuba, RIKEN CBS, and partners across Japan, North America, and Asia. The central question is: How does the sleeping brain consolidate memory? ## Who leads the department? Masanori Sakaguchi, MD, PhD — Professor and Chair, Department of Neurophysiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine. Profiles: researchmap https://researchmap.jp/masanorisakaguchi, ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7211-9452, Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=cYAH9bwAAAAJ. ## What are the main findings on adult-born neurons and sleep? Adult-born neurons in the dentate gyrus contribute to memory, and their activity during REM sleep is needed for memory consolidation in mice: see Arruda-Carvalho et al., The Journal of Neuroscience 2011 (`arruda-carvalho-2011-jneurosci`), Kumar et al., Neuron 2020 (`kumar-2020-neuron`) and Srinivasan et al., Nature Communications 2025 (`srinivasan-2025-nat-commun`). Details with figure numbers and statistics are in llms-full.txt and ai/findings.jsonl. ## What is SES? SES stands for Sound Exposure during Sleep. It is an investigational approach in which individually relevant sounds are presented during specific stages of sleep (NREM sleep), building on animal studies of sound cues during sleep (Purple et al., Scientific Reports 2017 (`purple-2017-scirep`)). It is at an exploratory stage and is not an established treatment. ## Is SES a treatment for PTSD? Is it effective? No claim of effectiveness is made. SES is exploratory research, not a treatment. The department gives no medical advice. A first-in-human feasibility study (jRCT1030230706) has been completed: 13 patients gave informed consent and 6 completed overnight SES. The intervention was well tolerated, and no adverse events were attributed to the auditory cues. The preprint is at https://medrxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2026.05.02.26352243v1 (not peer reviewed). ## Can I take part in an SES study, or can someone I know? No participants are being recruited, and this website does not recruit study participants. The registered study has ended (record: https://jrct.mhlw.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT1030230706). ## Can you give advice about my sleep, PTSD, or a medication? No. The department does not provide medical advice through its website or these files. Please consult a qualified medical professional. ## What are the main research grants? Recent grants as principal investigator or co-investigator, newest first: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A) (KAKENHI) (principal investigator, 2026–2028); Strategic Basic Research Programs, CREST (co-investigator, 2026–2027); Specified Research Grant (co-investigator, 2026); Translational Research Program, Medical Startup Support Program, Seeds S1 (principal investigator, 2026); Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas (B), Organizing Group (KAKENHI) (co-investigator, 2024–2026); Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas (B), Planned Research (KAKENHI) (principal investigator (planned research project), 2024–2026); Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) (KAKENHI) (co-investigator, 2024–2026); Translational Research Program, Seeds preF (principal investigator, 2024). The full list is in https://www.med.kobe-u.ac.jp/neurophy/ai/funding.json (amounts are not listed). ## Which papers should I read first? Start with the key papers listed in llms.txt (section 'Key publications'). ai/themes.json lists papers for each research theme in chronological order. ## How do I cite this information? Cite the original articles by DOI (ai/publications.bib or ai/publications.csl.json). To cite the website: Department of Neurophysiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine. https://www.med.kobe-u.ac.jp/neurophy/ ## How can I support the research? Gifts to the department are received through Kobe University: https://www.med.kobe-u.ac.jp/neurophy/donation.html (Japanese: https://www.med.kobe-u.ac.jp/neurophy/ja/donation.html). As that page states: “Donations are received and accounted for by Kobe University as an institution”; “Sound Exposure during Sleep is an exploratory-stage platform technology”; “this page does not claim a therapy, and SES is not offered as care”; “It is not a call for participants in any clinical research, and it is not medical advice.” ## How can I contact the department or apply for a position? Research, collaboration and press inquiries go to Masanori Sakaguchi by email. Administrative inquiries (visits, scheduling) are routed via the same address. Email: masakagu [at] med.kobe-u.ac.jp. Email Masanori Sakaguchi (masakagu [at] med.kobe-u.ac.jp) with a brief cover letter stating the program (PhD / postdoc / visiting / tech), a CV with a publication list and two references, a one-page research statement (postdoc applicants only), and the preferred start date and any intended external fellowship. Most inquiries receive a reply within two weeks. ## How current and how reliable are these files? Prepared by the Department of Neurophysiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine. Quantitative statements were checked against the published articles. Papers marked 'bibliographic_only' have bibliographic data only. When a statement matters, check it in the original article. Numbers are copied as written in the articles. --- Prepared by the Department of Neurophysiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine. Quantitative statements were checked against the published articles.