Work

Spatial cognitive behavior of pigeons induced by electrical stimulation in specific marked area

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Electric stimulation has become an essential neuroscience technique in various research fields ranging from basic research to neural prosthetics, and it is introduced into the spatial cognitive research. This study used electrical stimulation as a cue to construct spatial cognition towards a specific area marked with a circle for pigeons. Simply put, in a space evenly filled with food, pigeons can only forage within the marked area. If pigeons leave the area, their FRM (formation reticularis medialis mesencephali) area will be stimulated. After pigeons formed stable spatial memory towards the marked area, the mark will be changed includes area reduction, shape change, mark removal, and location moving to further investigate the changes in behavior in the newly marked area. The results have shown that the electrical stimulation can enable pigeons to form stable spatial cognition for the marked area within about a week. Furthermore, the spatial cognition of pigeons may be influenced by both external environment and internal memory, where internal memory helps pigeons determine approximate location, while the mark in external environment provides reference for them to accurately judge the boundaries of area. These results may have a certain promoting effect on research into the spatial cognition of birds. • This study employed neural electrical stimulation to construct spatial cognition towards the specific areas for pigeons. • Electrical stimulation can enable pigeons to form stable spatial cognition for the marked area within about a week. • Spatial cognition of pigeons may be influenced by both external environment and internal memory.

Source: Brain Research Bulletin

DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111629

Authors: Xinyu Liu, Yexin Zhang, Yongjun Zhu, Xiaomin Qi, Yanna Ping, Dongyun Wang

Institutions: Huanghuai University, Zhongyuan University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Memory and Neural Mechanisms

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,280

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Foundation for Distinguished Young Talents in Higher Education of Henan, Science and Technology Innovation Talents in Universities of Henan Province