Researchers have frequently studied the machinations of memory--specifically, how neurons store the information gained from experience so that the same information can be recalled later. However, less is known about the underlying neurobiology of how we "learn to learn"--the mechanisms our brains use to go beyond drawing from memory to utilize past experiences in meaningful, novel ways.
A greater understanding of this process could point to new methods to enhance learning and to design precision cognitive behavioral therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders like anxiety, schizophrenia, and other forms of mental dysfunction.
To explore this, the researchers conducted a series of experiments using mice, who were assessed for their ability to learn cognitively challenging tasks. Prior to the assessment, some mice received "cognitive control training" (CCT). They were put on a slowly rotating arena and trained to avoid the stationary location of a mild shock using stationary visual cues while ignoring locations of the shock on the rotating floor. CCT mice were compared to control mice. One control group also learned the same place avoidance, but it did not have to ignore the irrelevant rotating locations.
The use of the rotating arena place avoidance methodology was vital to the experiment, the scientists note, because it manipulates spatial information, dissociating the environment into stationary and rotating components. Previously, the lab had shown that learning to avoid shock on the rotating arena requires using the hippocampus, the brain's memory and navigation center, as well as the persistent activity of a molecule (protein kinase M zeta [PKM?]) that is crucial for maintaining increases in the strength of neuronal connections and for storing long-term memory.
Journal Reference:
Chung, Ain, Jou, Claudia, Grau-Perales, Alejandro, et al. Cognitive control persistently enhances hippocampal information processing, Nature (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04070-5)
(Score: -1, Offtopic) by Anonymous Coward on Friday November 12 2021, @08:44AM
I'm free!
(Score: 1) by shrewdsheep on Friday November 12 2021, @08:51AM (2 children)
We first learn how to learn to learn. Then we just do it.
(Score: -1, Redundant) by Anonymous Coward on Friday November 12 2021, @10:01AM
^^
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday November 12 2021, @02:39PM
Then someone sticks electrodes in us to make us not believe our own eyes. You did *not* see that. You *must* do as I say.
(Score: -1, Offtopic) by Anonymous Coward on Friday November 12 2021, @09:01AM
How many of these mice were at the new University of Austin?
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Friday November 12 2021, @02:29PM (2 children)
You can't learn if:
It's too hot or too cold
Too noisy
Too many interruptions
You're hungry
You're worried about something
You don't care about the topic
(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Friday November 12 2021, @02:41PM
Not obvious at all in the modern world. Nowadays you just need a MicroSoft Learning Experience, 17 managers and an inspirational figurehead to be your shining star. That's some proper learning.
(Score: 2) by GlennC on Friday November 12 2021, @03:22PM
Or if you believe that you already know The Real Truth.
Sorry folks...the world is bigger and more varied than you want it to be. Deal with it.
(Score: 1) by fustakrakich on Friday November 12 2021, @05:44PM
Now there's something people need to learn!
La politica e i criminali sono la stessa cosa..