Search results for "Mushroom Bodies"
showing 6 items of 26 documents
A Mushroom Bodies inspired spiking network for classification and sequence learning
2015
Sequence learning is a complex capability shown by living beings, able to extract information from the environment. Looking into the insect world, there are several examples where the presentation time of specific stimuli is considered to select the proper behavioural response. On the basis of previously developed neural models for sequence learning, inspired by the Drosophila melanogaster, a new formalization of key brain structures involved in the process is here provided. The input classification is performed through resonant neurons, stimulated by the complex dynamics generated in a lattice of recurrent spiking neurons modelling the Mushroom Bodies neuropile in the insect brain. The net…
Motor learning and body size within an insect brain computational model
2014
Nowadays modeling insect brains is also an important source of inspiration to develop learning architectures and control algorithms for applications on autonomous walking robots. Within the insect brain two important neuropiles received a lot of attention: the mushroom bodies (MBs) and the central complex (CX). Recent research activities considered the MBs as a unique architecture where different behavioural functions can be found. MBs are well known in bees and flies for their role in performing associative learning and memory in odor conditioning experiments [4]. They are also involved in the processing of multiple sensory modalities including visual tasks [3], different forms of learning…
A computational model for motor learning in insects
2013
The aim of this paper is to propose a computational model, inspired by Drosophila melanogaster, able to handle problems related to motor learning. The role of the Mushroom Bodies and the Central Complex in solving this problem is analyzed and plausible biologically inspired models are proposed. The designed computational models have been evaluated in simulation using a dynamic structure inspired by the fruit fly. The obtained results open the way to new neurobiological experiments focused to better understand the underlined mechanisms involved, to verify the feasibility of the hypotheses formulated and the significance of the obtained results.
The Insect Mushroom Bodies: a Paradigm of Neural Reuse
2013
This paper is devoted to discuss the implementation of models,which are inspired by the fly Drosophila melanogaster and able to handle open problems in the field of robotics such as attention, expectation and sequence learning. The role of the Mushroom Bodies (MBs) in solving these tasks is analyzed in detail and a unifying plausible biologically inspired model is proposed. The developed neural structure is able to show different capabilities in line with the paradigm of neural reuse. The same neural circuit can be exploited to accomplish multiple tasks showing interesting capabilities such as attention, expectation and delayed match-to-sample. The simulation results here reported suggest a…
Neurobiological Models of the Central Complex and the Mushroom Bodies
2013
This study reviews the actual knowledge on functions of the central complex (CX) and the mushroom bodies (MBs) in a genetic model insect, the fly Drosophila melanogaster. Ongoing research of UNIMAINZ and respective data are included. Reference is made to other insects, where respective functions are not yet studied in Drosophila. Neuroanatomical information is reported with regard to the general flow of information in these central brain neuropils. Particular projection systems and circuits are taken into account where this can be linked to functions. Models are developed.
Spatial and temporal pattern of neuroblasts, proliferation, and Engrailed expression during early brain development in Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleopter…
2003
Abstract In insects, the knowledge of embryonic brain development is still fragmentary, and comparative data are scarce. In this study, we explored aspects of embryonic brain development in the coleopteran Tenebrio molitor . A detailed description is provided of the spatial and temporal pattern of the embryonic brain neuroblasts during 18–60% of embryonic development. Approximately 125 brain NBs have been identified in each hemisphere of the brain at about 40% of embryonic development. A subset of five neuroblasts, among them the two progenitors of the mushroom bodies and two progenitors of the larval antennal lobe, are morphologically identifiable by their larger size. As revealed by incor…