New neurons produced in the adult brain are responsible to carry sensory stimuli and its positive association with the sensory experience. It also speeds up the association between the stimuli and the action occurred due to the stimulus .The neurons generated after birth cannot perform this function. The findings of the study are published in the journal PNAS.
Although most neurons are generated during embryogenesis, some brain regions in mammals are capable of constantly regenerating their neurons in adulthood. The existence of these adult-born neurons has been proven, but many questions about their function and the way in which they integrate into their target areas remain unanswered.
Activating Sleeping Neurons Reverses Rett Syndrome Symptoms
Stimulating neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex may be a therapeutic for Rett syndrome patients.
Advertisement
‘The new neurons produced in the adult brain are responsible for sensory learning and those formed immediately after birth cannot perform this function.’
Tweet it Now
Research carried out by the Perception and Memory team (Institut Pasteur/CNRS), directed by Pierre-Marie Lledo, a CNRS Director of Research, has recently revealed the specific role of these neurons produced in the adult brain. This study demonstrates that assigning positive values to sensory experiences is closely based on the activity of adult-born neurons, and not the neurons formed shortly after birth. It is these new neurons that may enable individuals to anticipate the delivery of a reward.
The scientists focused on the production of new neurons in adult mice, in particular those neurons that integrate into the olfactory bulb, the brain region responsible for analyzing odors. These new neurons are thought to play a major role in providing flexibility for learning and memorizing olfactory sensory experiences.
![Scientists Negate Century-Old Assumption Regarding Neurons]( "Scientists Negate Century-Old Assumption Regarding Neurons")
Neurons are the basic computational building blocks that compose our brain. They transmit and receive electrical signals in the body.
The scientists from the Institut Pasteur and the CNRS observed that the new neurons were able to react differently to an odor depending on the consequences associated with that sensory experience, such as whether or not there would be a reward. They also demonstrated that olfactory learning, in which the mice had to associate an odor with positive reinforcement, became easier once the new neurons had been activated. Finally, simply activating these adult-born neurons could be assimilated with a reward-predicting odor.
In short, this research shows that adult-born neurons are involved in the value associated with sensory stimuli rather than just the identification of the nature of a given sensory stimulus. It demonstrates that reward-motivated learning depends largely on adult neurogenesis.
Transferred to humans, these findings could improve our understanding of the role played by new neurons in the adult hippocampus in associative learning processes.
Source: Eurekalert
Scientists Negate Century-Old Assumption Regarding Neurons
Neurons are the basic computational building blocks that compose our brain. They transmit and receive electrical signals in the body.
Advertisement
The scientists from the Institut Pasteur and the CNRS observed that the new neurons were able to react differently to an odor depending on the consequences associated with that sensory experience, such as whether or not there would be a reward. They also demonstrated that olfactory learning, in which the mice had to associate an odor with positive reinforcement, became easier once the new neurons had been activated. Finally, simply activating these adult-born neurons could be assimilated with a reward-predicting odor.
In short, this research shows that adult-born neurons are involved in the value associated with sensory stimuli rather than just the identification of the nature of a given sensory stimulus. It demonstrates that reward-motivated learning depends largely on adult neurogenesis.
Transferred to humans, these findings could improve our understanding of the role played by new neurons in the adult hippocampus in associative learning processes.
Source: Eurekalert
Lack of Sleep Slows Down the Neurons, Says Study
Sleep rhythms can disrupt normal neuronal activity in specific regions of the brain, says new study.
Advertisement
 Blame Your Neurons If You are Dozing Off During A LectureThe compounds that activate A2A receptors in the nucleus accumbens may open safe therapeutic avenues for treating insomnia, the most common sleep problem. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest General Health News
Over 300 people had fallen sick with illness caused by Norovirus on a US cruise ship, say authorities.
Ex-smokers in Wakefield have shared their stories to encourage others to give up cigarettes on No Smoking Day 2023 which falls on 8th March.
Total levels of m6A in the nervous system rise with age and that (some) neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by RNA hypermethylation.
New study provides insights into the impact of early-life adversity on brain development and on control of reward behaviors that underlie emotional disorders
Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia signed a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will expand access to essential diagnostics in the country.