Curious mice

By examining mice in different situations, researchers from Netherlands have discovered a new brain circuit that is related to curiosity and novelty-seeking behaviour. The study, published in Science, found that increasing activity in a brain region called Zona Incerta caused increase in interaction with novel objects. They discovered a whole path involving different regions that converts curiosity into action in mice.


crd: TH

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION

Image
DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION Food is one of the basic requirements of all living organisms.  The major components of our food are carbohydrates, proteins and fats.  Vitamins and minerals are also required in small quantities.  Food provides energy and organic materials for growth and repair of tissues.  The water we take in, plays an important role in metabolic processes and also prevents dehydration of the body.  Biomacromolecules in food cannot be utilised by our body in their original form. They have to be broken down and converted into simple substances in the digestive system.  This process of conversion of complex food substances to simple absorbable forms is called digestion and is carried out by our digestive system by mechanical and biochemical methods.  General organisation of the human digestive system is shown in Figure 16.1. 16.1 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM  The human digestive system consists of the alimentary canal and the associated glands.   16.1.1 Alimenta
Read more

6.10 DNA FINGERPRINTING

Image
  6.10 DNA FINGERPRINTING   DNA fingerprinting is a very quick way to compare the DNA sequences of any two individuals. DNA fingerprinting involves identifying differences in some specific regions in DNA sequence called as repetitive DNA, because in these sequences, a small stretch of DNA (TANDEM REPEATS) is repeated many times.  Satellite DNA Repetitive DNA are separated from bulk genomic DNA as different peaks during density gradient centrifugation.  The bulk DNA forms a major peak and the other small peaks are referred to as satellite DNA. Depending on base composition (A : T rich or G:C rich), length of segment, and number of repetitive units, the satellite DNA is classified into many categories, such as micro-satellites, mini-satellites etc.                                 POLYMORPHISM  &  POLYMORPHIC DNA  Polymorphism is a variation at genetic level Arises due to mutations Such mutation in germ cells (sperm/egg) inheritable if it does not impair once reproductive ability i
Read more

Regulation of Breathing

Image
  Regulation of Breathing The regulation of breathing is based in the body's acid/base balance. The Central Chemoreceptors (CCR), primarily responsible for the breathing stimulation, are affected by the PaCO 2.  The responsiveness of the peripheral receptors is tied to the level of pH and PaCO 2 . Together these provide the ultimate in servo-control - sensors provide feedback that increase or decrease breathing. Medullary Respiratory Center The rhythmic cycle of breathing originates in the medulla. Higher brain centers (voluntary control), systemic receptors, and reflexes modify the medulla's output. However, no truly separate inspiratory and expiratory centers have been identified. The medulla does contain several widely dispersed groups of respiratory-related neurons that form dorsal and ventral respiratory groups. Fig-Schematic illustration of the respiratory components of the lower brainstem (pons and medulla oblongata). PNC = pneumotaxic center; APC = apneustic center; DRG
Read more