Neural Computations Underlying the Utilization of Sensory Information in Spatial Navigation
Abstract
Navigation relies on the ability to efficiently acquire and interpret sensory cues to guide future action yet the neural computations underlying this core function remain poorly understood. Bridging this gap is of outmost importance because it will illuminate the neural bases of real-life navigation in mammals, including humans. Here we propose to directly bridge this gap using bats the only flying mammals which also possess exquisite spatial learning abilities and sensory modalities that provide us with direct access to studying this topic. To do so, we leverage our development of wireless neurophysiological, pharmacological and optical devices to record and control brain activity in freely flying bats.We will target key brain structures that are considered key for spatial navigation and specifically to the interplay between flexible cue-based navigation to fixed navigational modes patterns that emerge during spatial learning. To do, we will monitor carefully the bats movement, sensory modalities (echolocation) and its neural activity to develop computational frameworks that would further provide a mechanistic understanding spatial navigational and the neural computations underlying it. Then, we will utilize a variety of pharmacological and optical causal manipulation tools to examine the necessity and sufficiency of tested neural circuits in complex forms of navigation. This combined approach will allow addressing, for the first time, the core question of how the mammalian brain supports the utilization of sensory information to guide complex 3D navigation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142112063
Entities
People
- Michael M Yartsev
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California Regents