Brain cells are crucial for triggering fights — but also become active when mice merely observe fights.
The hypothalamus of a mouse . This brain region contains cells called mirror neurons that are involved in aggressive behaviour.A group of brain cells in mice becomes active both when the animals fight and when they watch other mice fight, a studyshows. The work hints that such ‘mirror neurons’, which fire when an animal either observes or takes part in a particular activity, could shape complex social behaviours, such as aggression.
But exactly how mirror-neuron activity contributes to cognitive functions has been controversial, says Pier Francesco Ferrari, a neuroethologist at the Institute of Cognitive Science Marc Jeannerod in Lyon, France. Some researchers have argued that the fact that mirror neurons fire both when an animal observes a behaviour and when it performs that behaviour itself shows that these neurons are involved in a higher-order awareness of others’ actions — and perhaps even contribute to empathy.
that in certain social situations, activating the VMH neurons in mice did not trigger aggression. This made the researchers think that the VMH might include mirror neurons, which are sensitive to other individuals’ actions.Yang and his colleagues recorded VMH neurons when male mice watched others fight. They found that some VMH neurons fired both when an animal itself acted aggressively and when it watched others do so.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Chicago Mayoral Candidates Sharpen Attacks as Forums Fade Into Rearview MirrorThe televised forums featuring all nine Chicago mayoral candidates are now over, and with two weeks left until Election Day, candidates are sharpening their attacks and preparing for the final stretch run.
Lire la suite »
Cocaine Addiction Makes The Human Brain 'Age' Faster, Scientists WarnOur brains experience a litany of changes as we age, right down to the way its DNA is translated.
Lire la suite »
My Scared Little Brain Is Horrified After Learning About These Unsolved Mysteries From History'There are so many creepy and confusing details about the Villisca axe murders. Like, why did the killer (or killers) cover all the mirrors...'
Lire la suite »
Lion’s mane mushroom shows promise in boosting brain cell growthIn preclinical trials, lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) improved brain cell growth and memory.
Lire la suite »
I couldn’t escape this funky smell — it’s how I discovered my brain tumorA mysterious stench he couldn’t shake has led one man to discover a life-changing diagnosis.
Lire la suite »
‘Little People, Big World’ star Zach Roloff back home after emergency brain surgery“Little People, Big World” star Zach Roloff is back home with his family after suffering a medical scare.
Lire la suite »