Protocol to study dam-pup social transmission using a modified paradigm for transmission of food preference.

The social transmission of food preference, a rudimentary form of social learning, has primarily been studied in pairs of adult rodents. Here, we present a protocol to explore the parent-offspring context in social learning using an adaptation of this classic paradigm for rodent dam-pup dyads. We describe steps for studying weanling mice from the same mother and present a worked example using weight-based (food consumption) and time-based (exploration) indices of social learning.

Synchrony in parent-offspring social interactions across development: A cross-species review of rodents and humans.

In humans, parent-child neural synchrony has been shown to support early communication, social attunement and learning. Further, some animal species (including rodents and bats) are now known to share neural synchrony during certain forms of social behaviour. However, very little is known about the developmental origins and sequelae of neural synchrony, and whether this neural mechanism might play a causal role in the control of social and communicative behaviour across species.

Topologically Organized Networks in the Claustrum Reflect Functional Modularization.

Using genetic strategies and viral-based directional tracers, we investigated the topological location and output networks of claustrum (CLA) neuron populations projecting to either the retrosplenial cortex, primary motor cortex, or basolateral amygdala. We found that all three CLA neuron populations clearly reside in distinct topological locations within the CLA complex and project broadly to multiple downstream targets. Each neuron population projects to different targets, suggesting that each CLA subzone coordinates a unique set of brain-wide functions.