Introducing the brain: internal compass (Introduction)

by David Turell , Wednesday, March 22, 2023, 19:36 (400 days ago) @ David Turell

Like a GPS:

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-brain-internal-compass.html

"This ability to accurately decode the animal's internal head direction allowed the researchers to explore how the Head-Direction cells, which make up the brain's internal compass, support the brain's ability to re-orient itself in changing surroundings. Specifically, the research team identified a phenomenon they term "network gain" that allowed the brain's internal compass to reorient after the mice were disoriented.

"'It's as if the brain has a mechanism to implement a 'reset button' allowing for rapid reorientation of its internal compass in confusing situations," says Ajabi.

"Although the animals in this study were exposed to unnatural visual experiences, the authors argue that such scenarios are already relevant to the modern human experience, especially with the rapid spread of virtual reality technology. These findings "may eventually explain how virtual reality systems can easily take control over our sense of orientation," adds Ajabi."

Comment: they found a large group of neurons acting in concert but could not dissect out individual neuron activity.