Researchers at the HUN-REN Institute discovered that specific inhibitory neurons in the brain, known as HDB-PV neurons, play a critical role in learning from negative experiences. These neurons enhance cognitive processes and are essential for drawing attention and facilitating learning in response to aversive stimuli. Credit: SciTechDaily
How does the brain facilitate this type of learning? Positive and negative reinforcements are crucial mechanisms within the brain’s valuation system. Neurons releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine signify outcomes that are better or worse than expected by either increasing or decreasing their activity. Meanwhile, there is growing evidence that other parts of the brain handle ‘negative’ and ‘positive’ differently.
Panna Hegedüs, the first author of the study, noted, “Learning from negative experience is a deeply rooted, ancient survival strategy. It can even override the effects of positive reinforcement.”Hangya’s team used a technology called optogenetics, which can render specific cell types, in this case, HDB-PV neurons, sensitive to light.
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