Researchers identify distinct neural circuitry underlying adaptive behavior in primates (IMAGE)

The National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology

Researchers identify distinct neural circuitry underlying adaptive behavior in primates

Caption

Overview of the study. Researchers investigated the neural basis of how animals adapt to new environments and situations. To do this, they introduced a chemical ON/OFF switch in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of macaque monkeys. In this way, they could independently silence two distinct neuronal pathways originating from the OFC; one towards the caudate and one towards the mediodorsal thalamus. Through carefully designed behavioral experiments, they determined that the OFC–caudate pathway is essential for experience-based adaptation, whereas the OFC–mediodorsal thalamus pathway is essential for inference- or knowledge-based adaptation.

Credit

Kei Oyama, QST

Usage Restrictions

Available with credit note

License

Original content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.