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A neural network for information seeking.

J Kael White1, Ethan S Bromberg-Martin1, Sarah R Heilbronner2

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Animals and humans seek information about uncertain future rewards. Neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex and basal ganglia predict information gain, driving information-seeking behavior to resolve uncertainty.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Science
  • Behavioral Biology

Background:

  • Humans and animals exhibit a strong drive to resolve uncertainty about future rewards, even when the information gained is inconsequential.
  • The neural mechanisms underlying the prediction of information acquisition and the motivation for information-seeking behavior remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neural basis for predicting opportunities to gain information about uncertain rewards.
  • To identify the brain regions involved in motivating information-seeking behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized neuronal recordings in primate anterior cingulate cortex and basal ganglia.
  • Observed gaze shifts toward uncertainty-resolving cues.
  • Employed pharmacological disruption of the identified neural network.

Main Results:

  • Identified neurons within a cortico-basal ganglia network that predict the timing of information acquisition.
  • Observed that increased prediction signals correlate with gaze shifts towards information sources.
  • Demonstrated that disrupting this network significantly reduces the motivation for information seeking.

Conclusions:

  • A specific cortico-basal ganglia network plays a crucial role in predicting information gain and motivating actions to resolve uncertainty.
  • This neural mechanism underlies the fundamental drive to seek knowledge about future outcomes.