Rapid smell source localization: Mechanism discovered
Most mammals can easily and rapidly pinpoint where a smell is coming from. However, the neural mechanism behind this seemingly straightforward task is still a big question in biology. To address this open question, a research team at NERF (Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, a joint initiative by VIB, KU Leuven and imec) set up an experiment using mice. Interhemispheric information transfer First, the team led by Prof. Haesler developed a novel method to measure respiration dynamics. Contrary to current standard methods, the new technique, which involves the use of an infrared camera, is non- invasive. In this way, the NERF team discovered that mice presented with novel smells spontaneously turned their nose towards the source of the smell. And this orienting behavior was fast -- they could do it in under 100 milliseconds. Building on this behavioral response, the team then performed experiments to explore the mechanistic principles behind odor source localization. Prof. Seb...