Study on mice decision-making and the role of the brain’s preexisting state

New Stanford University study on mice decision-making finds that choice has more to do with the brain’s preexisting state than previously thought. The research, which utilized a behavioral experiment called Buridan’s Assay, suggests that the mice’s brain constantly broadcasts its goal, even before options are available, with patterns of neuron activity predicting choice. Hunger and thirst don’t directly drive behavior; instead, they modulate the brain’s goal-setting, with an element of randomness causing switches between needs, ensuring both are met over time. The research, published in Nature, sheds light on the complexities of decision-making and has implications for understanding human behavior as well. The study was funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Gatsby Foundation and was led by PhD candidate Ethan Richman, along with colleagues from various departments at Stanford.