According to the investigation, mice have similar part of brain known as amygdala. For human, this part of the brain governs the anxiety and fear emotions. Meanwhile for mice, this brain part is responsible to orchestrate the ability of mice to both deliver fatal bite and stalk a cricket. Here is how the investigation is done. Scientists made the selected nerve cells inside mice brains beings sensitive to light.
They continue the investigation by using lasers in activating the specific groups of the nerve cells. Scientist turned the different cells off and on. With this practice, scientist were able to find two separate sets inside the mice’ never cells from the central nucleus of amygala. Each of the sets is responsible to deliver certain function. One set controls the ability of mice to chase prey. Meanwhile, the other set is responsible to kill cricket and deliver solid chomp.
Two Circuits in Amygdala
The two complex behaviors apparently are controlled by those circuits. This finding is quite surprising because apparently the way the mice lives and catches its prey is something simpler that scientists haven’t assumed before. In the same investigation, another fact was also found. When scientists ramped those circuits to high power, it even led the mice to both capture and chase tiny robot with bug shape that they normally avoid or ignore. It shows how important the circuits are to control the ability of mice to hunt.
Amygdala Function
This investigation has also found that the central amygdala of mice as the center for fear, emotion and threat detection. However, how the amygdala works to perform this function is still unknown. Yet, the finding remains. Amygdala helps to control the blood pressure and heart rate. It shifts in situations that are emotionally charged. At the same time, it has to be regulated especially when the mice is pursuing prey. Still in the same investigation, there is another finding regarding the way to coordinate complex task by involving different groups of specialized neurons, nerve cells to work together. To be précised, one neurons’ set made signaling pathway to control the chasing. Meanwhile, the other nerve cells set made pathway to control the biting. So, when these nerve cells work together, the mice can grab and enjoy its dinner.
Apparently, this investigation has confirmed the strong specific role of neurons that affect the survival rate of mice. As long as these neurons and nerve cells in amygdala working optimally, it will be easier for mice to keep surviving.
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