New Brain Connections

New Brain Connections

            This article, written by Tim Stephens, describes new connections which form in the brain during learning. I found this article to relate to one of the studies which we learned about in class- the article “Brain Networks for Exploration Decisions Utilizing Distinct Modeled Information Types during Contextual Learning.” Exploration is one of the most effective and efficient modes of. To identify neural activity associated with information-based decisions, the researchers formed specific information types used for contextual association learning as well as applied model based fMRI alongside changing exploratory decision making. Hippocampal-prefrontal contributions were seen correlated to advantageous decisions. This is based on the innovative information received, distinct from striatal contributions to advantageous decisions based on the accumulation of the all of the received information. Additionally, interactions seen at the network-level during exploratory decision, among these specific regions, resulted in successful learning. Therefore, the exploration decisions made during the process of learning were based on information. The decisions made and the brain activity that occurred while the decisions took place responded to the distinct modeled information types. Also, hippocampal-prefrontal and dorsal striatal areas also had a direct influence on decisions. The findings based on this research make strategic exploration decisions taking place during learning quantifiable. It also increases our understanding of adaptive behavior by distinguishing brain-network activity and distinctly identifying them determined by different information types.

            "Repetitive activation of the same cortical circuit is really important in learning a new task. But what is the optimal frequency of repetition? Ultimately, by studying the relationship between synapse formation and learning, we want to find out the best way to induce new memories."

            According to the new article I found, which is based on a study conducted at the University of California Santa Cruz, as humans and animals learn new things, new connections between brain cells are formed in clusters. When this occurs, brain circuits are reformed, or rewired, as new motor memories are created. The study consisted of studying mice as they were taught and learned new tasks and behaviors. An example of one of these tasks was reaching through slots to get seeds. The researchers paid close attention and analyzed any changes noted in the motor cortex, which is the layer of the brain that is in charge of controlling muscle movements during learning. Within the brain, they also specifically focused on the dendritic spines, which from the synapses between the nerve cells.

This is an image of a dendritic spine.

            Over the course of the learning period, the researchers began to notice that the synapses started to be located in close proximity to one another. These are called clustered synapses. Clustered synapses are more common to endure throughout the learning sessions as opposed to non-clustered synapses. There is also a positive correlation between the size and strength of the synapse: the larger the synapse, the stronger the neural connection.

References:

Tim Stephens, T. (2012, February 19). New brain connections form in clusters during learning. Retrieved May 1, 2015, from http://news.ucsc.edu/2012/02/brain-connections.html

Wang, J. X., & Voss, J. L. (2014). Brain networks for exploration decisions utilizing distinct modeled information types during contextual learning. Neuron,82(5), 1171-1182.