Integrated Perception of Multimodal Stimuli in the Dog Brain Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Abstract
ABSTRACT Having already demonstrated the feasibility of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in awake dogs, we propose to move forward with a research program aimed at comprehensively mapping the perceptual systems of the canine brain. Because it is noninvasive, fMRI is ideally suited to understanding the function of the canine brain. The results of this research program could potentially optimize the training regimen for future military working dogs (MWD) before deployment to operational environments. Secondarily, the knowledge gained through such a research program could also be used to optimize training regimens for humans in similar operational capacities. We propose studying the “binding problem” in dogs – how different sensory modalities are bound together to create and maintain stable representations of things in the dog’s world. We speculate that dogs may form mental images based on smells. If so, we may see evidence for top-down modulation of olfactory cortex, or even the activation of olfactory cortex from visual stimuli if dogs recognize images and associate a scent with the visual source. To answer these questions, we propose a series of fMRI experiments to map the functional elements of multimodal integration in the canine brain. Specifically, we propose four objectives: 1) sensory primitives vs. higher-order processing in the visual and olfactory streams; 2) multimodal integration of perceptual signals; 3) acquisition and retention of conditioned associations; 4) brain decoding through multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA).
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 03, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612276
Entities
People
- Gregory Berns
Organizations
- Emory University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy