The Discerning Fruit Fly: Linking Brain-Cell Activity and Behavior in Smell Recognition
Researchers have mapped the activity of brain cells in the mushroom body of flies conditioned to have Pavlovian behavioral responses to different odors. The findings suggest the activity of as few as 25 neurons are required to be able to distinguish between different odors.
Mice in a “Big Brother” Setup Develop Social Structures
A new study which developed a system designed to observe different strains of mice living together in a ‘Big Brother house’ pen and with no human intervention, provides some unusual insights into social behavior which enables social hierarchy.
By Trying it All, Predatory Sea Slug Learns What Not to Eat
Researchers discover Pleurobranchaea californica, a predatory sea slug which normally isn’t a picky eater, has more cognitive abilities than previously believed; allowing them to lean the warning cues of dangerous pray and avoiding them in the future.
Compulsive No More
Researchers use optogenetics to control compulsive behavior in mice. The results could help to develop new treatments such as OCD and Tourette’s syndrome.
‘Should I Stay or Should I Go?’ Scientists Link Brain Cell Types to Behavior
Researchers discover the activity of two specific neuron types, somatostatin and parvalbumin neurons, correlates with foraging decisions in mice.
New Research Suggests Possible Direction for Treatment of Autism
Researchers note marked improvements in young autistic boys when using a treatment known as sensory-motor or environmental enrichment.
Fishing for Memories
Observing whole-brain activity in live zebrafish, researchers have discovered how information stored as long-term memory in the cerebral cortex is processed to guide behavioral choices.
Anti-Smoking Ads with Strong Arguments, Not Flashy Editing, Trigger Part of Brain That Changes Behavior
Researchers discovered a part of the brain involved in future behavioral changes, the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, had greater activation when smokers were exposed to anti-smoking messages with stronger arguments as opposed to weaker arguments.
Brain-to-Brain Interface Allows Transmission of Tactile and Motor Information Between Rats 1000s of Miles Apart
Researchers electronically linked the brains of pairs of rats for the first time, enabling them to communicate directly to solve simple behavioral puzzles. A further test of this work successfully linked the brains of two animals thousands of miles apart – one in Durham, N.C., and one in Natal, Brazil.
Songbirds’ Brains Coordinate Singing with Intricate Timing
Researchers discovered that as a bird sings, some neurons in its brain prepare to make the next sound while others are synchronized with the coordination of physical actions.
