How the Brain Adapts to New Sensory Contexts
New research reveals how the brain rapidly adapts to sensory changes using a feedback loop between the olfactory cortex and the olfactory bulb. Scientists trained mice to associate rewards with specific sounds and smells, then switched the rules to test their adaptability. Expert mice quickly adjusted their responses, suggesting that the brain rapidly updates sensory associations.
The study found that top-down signals from the olfactory cortex help assign reward values to both smells and sounds. This unexpected cross-modal integration challenges traditional views of sensory processing. Future research aims to uncover how these feedback loops incorporate other senses like sight and touch.
🧠🆔 @neurocognitionandlearning
New research reveals how the brain rapidly adapts to sensory changes using a feedback loop between the olfactory cortex and the olfactory bulb. Scientists trained mice to associate rewards with specific sounds and smells, then switched the rules to test their adaptability. Expert mice quickly adjusted their responses, suggesting that the brain rapidly updates sensory associations.
The study found that top-down signals from the olfactory cortex help assign reward values to both smells and sounds. This unexpected cross-modal integration challenges traditional views of sensory processing. Future research aims to uncover how these feedback loops incorporate other senses like sight and touch.
🧠🆔 @neurocognitionandlearning