New Brain Map Reveals How Decisions Are Made,Inspired by Astronomical Surveys
Groundbreaking research utilizing advanced digital nerve probes called Neuropixels has yielded a detailed map of brain activity during decision-making,representing a significant advancement in neuroscience. These probes allow researchers to simultaneously monitor the activity of hundreds of thousands of neurons across the entire brain – a leap from previous studies that focused on only a few hundred.
The research, conducted by scientists at the International Brain Laboratory (IBL), involved mice trained to use a steering wheel to control the movement of a black-and-white striped pattern on a screen. Mice where rewarded with sugary water for successfully guiding the pattern to the center. As the mice reacted to the visual stimuli and made decisions, the Neuropixels probes recorded the resulting electrical signals in their brains.The resulting brain map revealed a complex, whole-brain process. Activity initially peaked in the visual processing areas at the back of the brain. As the mouse’s decision translated into action, motor control zones became active. receiving the sugary reward triggered activity throughout the entire brain. Researchers found that decision-making isn’t confined to a few brain regions, but involves a “very large network of regional networks.”
To further challenge the mice, researchers occasionally presented a faded version of the striped pattern, requiring the animals to rely on memory of previous trials to determine the correct direction to turn the wheel. This highlights the role of “prior information” in all decision-making, as stated by researcher pouget: “Every decision we make is taken in this way.” The map confirmed that sensory input is processed in the context of existing expectations, rather than the previously held assumption that expectations were applied at the very beginning of the decision-making process.The scale of this project is being likened to the sloan Digital Sky Survey, a massive international collaboration that revolutionized astronomy by creating detailed 3D maps of the universe. Researchers hope this brain map will serve as a similar turning point for neuroscience, fostering greater collaboration and data sharing. Traditionally,biological sciences have seen labs working independently,unlike the collaborative approach common in fields like physics and astronomy. The IBL aims to change this, creating a complete resource for neuroscientists worldwide.pouget, a founding partner of the IBL, anticipates this map will be the first of many large-scale collaborative efforts in the field, paving the way for more targeted studies of complex behaviors and a deeper understanding of how the brain functions.
