Neural Mechanism Behind Executive Function is Found by a Novel Technique

Novel technique that helps in decoding the mechanisms behind executive functions of the brain has been successful.

We efficiently juggle multiple tasks on a daily basis – thanks to our wonderful organ, Brain that supports this executive function! These functions are one of the unique features bestowed to us through evolution. Two important executive functions we use are working memory and decision-making.

Specific technique called "imaging-guided chemogenetic synaptic silencing" that deciphers the specific neural pathways behind this complex function, has been discovered by the scientists at National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Japan, published in the journal Science Advances.

Brain Food
It is a myth that the brain quits generating new cells once you reach adulthood. They are regenerating all the time.

‘Novel technique that helps in decoding the neural mechanisms behind executive functions of the primate brain has been successful. This would lay the foundation for further explorations of the networks to apply clinical significance in various disorders.’

The study team examined the prime part of the brain responsible for this executive function – the dorsolateral part of the prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) in the monkey.

Neural Mechanism

"The primate prefrontal cortex (PFC), especially its dorsolateral part (dlPFC), is well known to serve as the center of higher-order executive functions; it is uniquely developed in primates and underlies their distinctive cognitive abilities. These functions, however, do not solely rely on dlPFC neurons but also on their cooperative interactions with subcortical structures, including the dorsal caudate (dCD) nucleus and lateral mediodorsal thalamus (MDl)," says Dr. Kei Oyama, the first author of the study.

Multitasking: Good or Bad for Your Brain?
Is multitasking good when your brain frantically switches between tasks or does it slow down the brain processes causing changes in brain structure? Learn what happens to the brain when you multitask.

By utilizing the chemogenetic silencing method, the study team found that both working memory and decision-making are controlled by different neural pathways linking specific brain areas.

Bilateral dlPFC-MDl projections are associated with working memory related to their surroundings. On the contrary unilateral dlPFC-dCD projections are responsible for altering decision-making. Thus study lays the foundation for further explorations of the networks to apply clinical significance.

13 Daily Habits that Damage the Brain
The brain is probably the most important organ in our body and it deserves special care and attention to keep it active and functioning well. Here are thirteen daily habits, you must know that can cause damage to your brain.

"Many psychiatric disorders, including depression, are thought to be associated with disturbances in the transmission of neural information through neural circuits between specific brain regions. Our findings are expected to deepen our understanding of mental disorders and lead to the discovery of treatments and remedies. The successful development of a novel technique in our study will serve as a key technology for the next-generation of researchers to investigate primate brain functions, which will contribute to broad areas in life by dramatically deepening our understanding of the mechanism of higher-brain functions," says Oyama.

Source-Medindia

Brain Circuit for Spirituality Identified!
Using datasets from neurosurgical patients and those with brain lesions, researchers mapped lesion locations associated with spiritual and religious belief to a specific human brain circuit.