- Scientists studied how the brain changes rules during tasks.
- They trained mice to find food rewards in tests.
- Mice first used one cue and then a new cue.
- A small brain area helped the switch between cues.
- Researchers watched brain cells with tiny cameras during tests.
- When that area was blocked, mice had more trouble.
- Brain activity became noisier and less clear to read.
- This change made mice keep old strategies longer.
- The work may help explain problems in diseases.
Difficult words
- scientist — A person who studies nature or facts.Scientists
- train — To teach someone or an animal to do something.trained
- cue — A signal or sign to act or start.cues
- area — A small part of the body or place.
- noisy — With loud or unclear sounds or signals.noisier
- strategy — A plan or way to win or solve things.strategies
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen a mouse?
- Would you like to use a tiny camera to watch cells?
- Is it easy for you to change rules in a game?
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