Trajectories show the dynamics of neuronal activity patterns evoked by morphing two similar odors (blue to green) in the zebrafish olfactory bulb. Activity patterns evolve from a resting state before stimulus onset (right) towards steady-states that switch abruptly when the odor is morphed, indicating that neuronal circuits in the olfactory bulb classify stimuli into discrete network states.
Scientists at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI, part of the Novartis Research Foundation), are unraveling how odors are processed by the brain. As they report, odors in the olfactory brain are classified into groups represented by discrete activity states of neuronal circuits. Using advanced optical methods, they discovered that gradual variations in odors result in abrupt transitions between patterns of neuronal activity. These findings provide fundamental insights into the brain's information-processing mechanisms. A sommelier has no difficulty in discriminating between lime, peach and apricot aromas, hints of cinnamon and cedar, or blackberry and cherry notes in the bouquet of a fine wine. For those with a less discerning nose, such subtle differences are difficult to detect. At the same time, however, the sommelier will not perceive a relatively weak background odor, such as perfume.
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