Scientists at Harvard Medical School have discovered that in fruit flies, the connection between the brain’s “internal compass” and control regions is mediated by three different groups of neurons. Research results published In the journal Nature.
Humans and animals have an “internal compass” of brain cells that use internal and external information to develop a sense of direction. Scientists sought to understand how this “compass” is functionally linked to the brain’s control systems responsible for memory and attention.
Despite their small size, fruit flies have complex brains and behavior. Scientists chose them for this study because the results may be similar in humans.
Previous research has shown that when insects walk, specialized head position cells actively track their movements, such as turning right or left. By examining the electrical circuitry of each nerve connection in the fly’s brain, scientists found that course correction is carried out by three separate groups of neurons. Neurons from the first and second groups cause movement to the right or left, and from the third group to a complete rotation.
Scientists stated that their discoveries allow us to get closer to understanding how the human brain stores and processes information.
Previously Novosibirsk scientists was created Mini brains for studying thinking.