Big brain evolution: new adult neuron research (Evolution)

by David Turell , Tuesday, February 27, 2018, 14:53 (2459 days ago) @ David Turell

Another brief review of mouse brain research producing new adult neurons and how they are used:

https://cosmosmagazine.com/biology/new-neurons-in-an-adult-brain

"Although scientists have known for several years that the adult brain can produce new neurons, many questions about the properties conferred by these adult-born neurons were left unanswered.

"What advantages could they offer that are not offered by the neurons generated shortly after birth?

"Scientists from the Institut Pasteur and the CNRS in France have recently demonstrated that the new neurons produced in adults react preferentially to reward-related sensory stimuli and help speed up the association between sensory information and reward.

"Adult-born neurons therefore play an important role in both the identification of a sensory stimulus and the positive value associated with that sensory experience. The neurons generated shortly after birth are unable to perform this function.

Comment: In my view the addition of these neurons provide a new substrate for consciousness (s/s/c) to use and impart sensory reward thought.