Researchers delve into the brain's translation of sounds into actions

Researchers delve into the brain's translation of sounds into actions
by Hugo Ritmico
Lisboa, Portugal (SPX) May 11, 2024

Understanding how the brain interprets sounds and prompts subsequent actions has advanced, thanks to new research from the Champalimaud Foundation. This study, recently conducted by the Renart Lab and published in Current Biology, offers fresh insights into the cognitive processes that link auditory stimuli to behavioral responses.

Every day, our brains process auditory information and make split-second decisions that guide our actions. The study conducted at the Renart Lab seeks to elucidate the pathways and mechanisms involved in these decisions. According to their findings, both sensory and motor signals coexist within the cortex, challenging the traditional view that these functions are segregated.

The researchers employed a novel experimental design involving mice, where the animals were trained to associate specific sounds with designated actions. "To unravel what signals related to future may be doing in sensory areas, we thought carefully about the task mice would have to perform," Raphael Steinfeld, the study's lead author, stated.

"We used a unique delay task that allowed us to disentangle the neural representation of the sound from the decision-making process," he explained. "This approach revealed distinct patterns of neural activity associated with sensory processing and the subsequent choices."

This research highlighted that movement-related signals are not confined to motor regions but are also present in sensory areas of the brain. "This overlap suggests a more integrated role for sensory regions in planning and executing movements than previously understood," noted Alfonso Renart, the principal investigator.

The study also uncovered that the auditory cortex plays a crucial role in this integration. "While sensory signals were quick to appear and fade, the choice-related signals developed later and were concentrated deeper within the cortex," Renart added. "This finding is intriguing because it hints at a deeper, perhaps more strategic role of the auditory cortex in decision-making."

Further analysis showed that the neurons responsible for processing sound frequencies also displayed activity linked to specific movements, suggesting an adaptive mechanism that enhances decision-making based on past experiences.

Despite these advancements, many questions remain about the exact role and origin of these choice signals within the auditory cortex. "Our results suggest that the sensory information processed by the auditory cortex may not directly dictate the choices made, indicating a more complex interplay between sensory input and motor planning in the brain," concluded Renart.

As researchers continue to explore these dynamics, the understanding of how our brains convert auditory signals into action deepens, shedding light on the intricate processes that underlie everyday decisions and actions.

Research Report:Differential representation of sensory information and behavioral choice across layers of the mouse auditory cortex