About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Study Provides Deeper Insight Over Brain Part That Drives Decision-Making

by Dr. Trupti Shirole on March 9, 2015 at 10:35 AM
 Study Provides Deeper Insight Over Brain Part That Drives Decision-Making

Researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University in Japan have provided a deeper insight over how brain is involved in the process of crucial decision making. They revealed that a key part of the brain involved with decision making, the striatum, appears to operate hierarchically - much like a traditional corporation with executives, middle managers and employees.

The striatum is a part of the basal ganglia, the inner core of the brain that processes decisions and movements. Previous studies have shown that the three regions of the striatum - ventral, dorsomedial and dorsolateral - have very distinct roles in motivation, adaptive decisions and routine actions, respectively. But, now OIST researchers found that these parts do not operate in isolation, but work together in a coordinated hierarchy, like a traditional company with executives making decisions, delegating to middle managers and employees carrying out specific tasks.

Advertisement

To observe the role of each part, the researchers hooked up tiny electrodes to rats' brains. These electrodes measured how frequently neurons in each section fired during a task, in which rats picked between two holes based on the probability of getting a sugar pellet reward. The researchers found that while the three striatum regions have distinct roles, they work together in different phases during a trial.

The ventral striatum (VS) was most active early on, when the rat decided whether it would participate in the activity or not, while the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) changed firing levels as the rat evaluated the expected reward for each option while making a decision to turn left or right; and the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) fired short bursts at a variety of times throughout the task, suggesting the involvement with the control of fine motor movements. This was similar to a company's president deciding to make a new product, middle managers evaluating different design and sales options, and employees building specific parts.

The study has been published in The Journal of Neuroscience.

Source: Medindia
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Research News

Brain Circuits That Shape Bedtime Rituals in Mice
New study sheds light on the intrinsic, yet often overlooked, role of sleep preparation as a hardwired survival strategy.
NELL-1 Protein Aids to Reduce Bone Loss in Astronauts
Microgravity-induced bone loss in space, can be reduced by systemic delivery of NELL-1, a protein required for bone growth and its maintenance.
Connecting Genetic Variants to the Alzheimer's Puzzle
Researchers establish connections between Alzheimer's-linked genetic alterations and the functioning of brain cells.
Gene Therapy Sparks Spinal Cord Regeneration
Team at NeuroRestore introduces a groundbreaking gene therapy that has effectively promoted nerve regrowth and reconnection, post spinal cord injury.
Unlocking the Gut Microbiome's Influence on Bone Density
Scientists aim to pinpoint particular functional pathways affected by these bacteria that may have an impact on skeletal health.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Study Provides Deeper Insight Over Brain Part That Drives Decision-Making Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests