Charles Choi writes that researchers have identified neurons in mice that encode the intrinsic value of information, allowing for curiosity-driven behavior even when obtaining knowledge reduces physical rewards. Using population neural recordings in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), scientists discovered that roughly 20% of decision-making neurons specifically signal the expected value of incoming information rather than reward magnitude. This indicates that mammalian brains process information seeking through distinct neural representations analogous to food or water.
- The OFC maintains separate activity patterns for extrinsic rewards and intrinsic informational values.
- Mice demonstrated a willingness to trade physical volume in exchange for advance knowledge.
- Uncertainty drives curiosity, with increased interest in informative cues as the delay before reward increases.
- The OFC maintains separate activity patterns for extrinsic rewards and intrinsic informational values.
- Mice demonstrated a willingness to trade physical volume in exchange for advance knowledge.
- Uncertainty drives curiosity, with increased interest in informative cues as the delay before reward increases.
A study found that wild mice, and other animals like frogs, rats, and shrews, will voluntarily use a running wheel placed in their environment, suggesting play is an innate behavior, not just a result of captivity.
