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Reposted by Brain Evolution News
Why did consciousness evolve?
What’s it for?
The latest issue of @royalsociety.org Philosophical Transactions B has a series of papers from very smart people on this topic, covering all kinds of creatures 🧠🧪🤔
royalsocietypublishing.org/toc/rstb/202...
What’s it for?
The latest issue of @royalsociety.org Philosophical Transactions B has a series of papers from very smart people on this topic, covering all kinds of creatures 🧠🧪🤔
royalsocietypublishing.org/toc/rstb/202...
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences: Vol 380, No 1939
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royalsocietypublishing.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Why did consciousness evolve?
What’s it for?
The latest issue of @royalsociety.org Philosophical Transactions B has a series of papers from very smart people on this topic, covering all kinds of creatures 🧠🧪🤔
royalsocietypublishing.org/toc/rstb/202...
What’s it for?
The latest issue of @royalsociety.org Philosophical Transactions B has a series of papers from very smart people on this topic, covering all kinds of creatures 🧠🧪🤔
royalsocietypublishing.org/toc/rstb/202...
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
And here is a free read-only link to our paper:
link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007...
#neuroskyence #neuroethology 🧠🧪
link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007...
#neuroskyence #neuroethology 🧠🧪
Homing and feral pigeons differ in hippocampal formation neuron size: a Golgi study
link.springer.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:47 AM
And here is a free read-only link to our paper:
link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007...
#neuroskyence #neuroethology 🧠🧪
link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007...
#neuroskyence #neuroethology 🧠🧪
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
What did we find? Homing pigeons have smaller hippocampal neurons than feral pigeons. We think this might be associated with higher packing density of neurons, which could confer some advantages in spatial cognition. But more testing needed!
Fin
Fin
October 23, 2025 at 5:53 PM
What did we find? Homing pigeons have smaller hippocampal neurons than feral pigeons. We think this might be associated with higher packing density of neurons, which could confer some advantages in spatial cognition. But more testing needed!
Fin
Fin
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
Feral and homing pigeons differ greatly in hippocampal neuron density, so we asked, are there are also differences in neuron size and morphology. We used high resolution slide scanning of Golgi stained sections and digitally reconstructed neurons from both breeds.
October 23, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Feral and homing pigeons differ greatly in hippocampal neuron density, so we asked, are there are also differences in neuron size and morphology. We used high resolution slide scanning of Golgi stained sections and digitally reconstructed neurons from both breeds.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
New paper out today on hippocampus neuron morphology in homing and feral pigeons. 🧵
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
#neuroskyence #neuroethology #anatomy
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
#neuroskyence #neuroethology #anatomy
Homing and feral pigeons differ in hippocampal formation neuron size: a Golgi study - Brain Structure and Function
Artificial selection for behavioural traits can significantly affect the anatomy of brain regions related to the behaviour under selection. The homing pigeon (Columba livia) is a prime example of how ...
link.springer.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:27 PM
New paper out today on hippocampus neuron morphology in homing and feral pigeons. 🧵
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
#neuroskyence #neuroethology #anatomy
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
#neuroskyence #neuroethology #anatomy
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
11. Atoji Y, Sarkar S & Wild JM 2016, Hippocampus 26(12):1608–1617, doi.org/10.1002/hipo...
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
11. Atoji Y, Sarkar S & Wild JM 2016, Hippocampus 26(12):1608–1617, doi.org/10.1002/hipo...
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
9. Applegate MC, Gutnichenko KS & Aronov D 2023, J Comp Neurol 531(16):1669–1688, doi.org/10.1002/cne....
10. Applegate MC, Gutnichenko KS, Mackevicius EL & Aronov D 2023, Curr Biol 33(12):2465–2477e2467, doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...
10. Applegate MC, Gutnichenko KS, Mackevicius EL & Aronov D 2023, Curr Biol 33(12):2465–2477e2467, doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
9. Applegate MC, Gutnichenko KS & Aronov D 2023, J Comp Neurol 531(16):1669–1688, doi.org/10.1002/cne....
10. Applegate MC, Gutnichenko KS, Mackevicius EL & Aronov D 2023, Curr Biol 33(12):2465–2477e2467, doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...
10. Applegate MC, Gutnichenko KS, Mackevicius EL & Aronov D 2023, Curr Biol 33(12):2465–2477e2467, doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
7. Guyonnet AEM, Racicot KJ, Brinkman B & Iwaniuk AN 2025, Brain Struct Funct 230(1):9, doi.org/10.1007/s004...
8. Rook N, Stacho M, Schwarz A, Bingman VP & Güntürkün O 2023, J Comp Neurol 531(7):790–813, doi.org/10.1002/cne....
8. Rook N, Stacho M, Schwarz A, Bingman VP & Güntürkün O 2023, J Comp Neurol 531(7):790–813, doi.org/10.1002/cne....
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
7. Guyonnet AEM, Racicot KJ, Brinkman B & Iwaniuk AN 2025, Brain Struct Funct 230(1):9, doi.org/10.1007/s004...
8. Rook N, Stacho M, Schwarz A, Bingman VP & Güntürkün O 2023, J Comp Neurol 531(7):790–813, doi.org/10.1002/cne....
8. Rook N, Stacho M, Schwarz A, Bingman VP & Güntürkün O 2023, J Comp Neurol 531(7):790–813, doi.org/10.1002/cne....
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
4. Rehkämper G, Haase E & Frahm HD 1988, Brain Behav Evol 31:141–149
5. Rehkämper G, Frahm HD & Cnotka J 2008, Brain Behav Evol 71(2):115–126, doi.org/10.1159/0001...
6. Ebinger P & Löhmer R 1984, Z Zool Syst Evolut-forsch 22:136–145.
5. Rehkämper G, Frahm HD & Cnotka J 2008, Brain Behav Evol 71(2):115–126, doi.org/10.1159/0001...
6. Ebinger P & Löhmer R 1984, Z Zool Syst Evolut-forsch 22:136–145.
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
4. Rehkämper G, Haase E & Frahm HD 1988, Brain Behav Evol 31:141–149
5. Rehkämper G, Frahm HD & Cnotka J 2008, Brain Behav Evol 71(2):115–126, doi.org/10.1159/0001...
6. Ebinger P & Löhmer R 1984, Z Zool Syst Evolut-forsch 22:136–145.
5. Rehkämper G, Frahm HD & Cnotka J 2008, Brain Behav Evol 71(2):115–126, doi.org/10.1159/0001...
6. Ebinger P & Löhmer R 1984, Z Zool Syst Evolut-forsch 22:136–145.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
Bibliography:
1. Wallraff HG 2005, Avian navigation: pigeon homing as a paradigm, Springer, Berlin Heidelberg.
2. Bingman VP 2018, J Exp Biol 221:jeb163089, doi.org/10.1242/jeb....
3. Herold C, Coppola VJ & Bingman VP 2015, Hippocampus 25(11):1193–1211, doi.org/10.1002/hipo...
1. Wallraff HG 2005, Avian navigation: pigeon homing as a paradigm, Springer, Berlin Heidelberg.
2. Bingman VP 2018, J Exp Biol 221:jeb163089, doi.org/10.1242/jeb....
3. Herold C, Coppola VJ & Bingman VP 2015, Hippocampus 25(11):1193–1211, doi.org/10.1002/hipo...
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Bibliography:
1. Wallraff HG 2005, Avian navigation: pigeon homing as a paradigm, Springer, Berlin Heidelberg.
2. Bingman VP 2018, J Exp Biol 221:jeb163089, doi.org/10.1242/jeb....
3. Herold C, Coppola VJ & Bingman VP 2015, Hippocampus 25(11):1193–1211, doi.org/10.1002/hipo...
1. Wallraff HG 2005, Avian navigation: pigeon homing as a paradigm, Springer, Berlin Heidelberg.
2. Bingman VP 2018, J Exp Biol 221:jeb163089, doi.org/10.1242/jeb....
3. Herold C, Coppola VJ & Bingman VP 2015, Hippocampus 25(11):1193–1211, doi.org/10.1002/hipo...
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
📚 In summary: homing pigeons show smaller dorsomedial hippocampal neurons than feral pigeons (~30% reduction).
This may reflect denser packing and subtle adaptations in spatial cognition—but evidence remains preliminary.
This may reflect denser packing and subtle adaptations in spatial cognition—but evidence remains preliminary.
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
📚 In summary: homing pigeons show smaller dorsomedial hippocampal neurons than feral pigeons (~30% reduction).
This may reflect denser packing and subtle adaptations in spatial cognition—but evidence remains preliminary.
This may reflect denser packing and subtle adaptations in spatial cognition—but evidence remains preliminary.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
It is unclear whether these anatomical differences arise from genetic selection, navigational experience, or both.
👉 Further studies—especially those combining behavioural testing, anatomy and physiology, as in songbirds—are needed to test this hypothesis.
👉 Further studies—especially those combining behavioural testing, anatomy and physiology, as in songbirds—are needed to test this hypothesis.
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
It is unclear whether these anatomical differences arise from genetic selection, navigational experience, or both.
👉 Further studies—especially those combining behavioural testing, anatomy and physiology, as in songbirds—are needed to test this hypothesis.
👉 Further studies—especially those combining behavioural testing, anatomy and physiology, as in songbirds—are needed to test this hypothesis.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
In contrast, DM neurons —analogous to the mammalian hippocampus 8,9,11— were ~30% smaller in soma size and total volume in homing pigeons. Smaller neurons could imply higher neuronal density, potentially allowing greater spatial resolution in homing pigeons.
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
In contrast, DM neurons —analogous to the mammalian hippocampus 8,9,11— were ~30% smaller in soma size and total volume in homing pigeons. Smaller neurons could imply higher neuronal density, potentially allowing greater spatial resolution in homing pigeons.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
Results showed no significant differences in DL neurons between breeds. The DL, comparable to the mammalian entorhinal cortex 8-10, may be activated during general navigation tasks. Thus, neuronal structure might remain similar across both pigeon types.
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Results showed no significant differences in DL neurons between breeds. The DL, comparable to the mammalian entorhinal cortex 8-10, may be activated during general navigation tasks. Thus, neuronal structure might remain similar across both pigeon types.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
In this new study, researchers used Golgi staining to examine neuronal morphology in the hippocampal subregions of homing and feral pigeons.
They focused on the dorsolateral (DL) and dorsomedial (DM) parts of the HF.
They focused on the dorsolateral (DL) and dorsomedial (DM) parts of the HF.
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
In this new study, researchers used Golgi staining to examine neuronal morphology in the hippocampal subregions of homing and feral pigeons.
They focused on the dorsolateral (DL) and dorsomedial (DM) parts of the HF.
They focused on the dorsolateral (DL) and dorsomedial (DM) parts of the HF.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
Earlier studies suggested that homing pigeons have an enlarged HF 4-6. However, more recent work suggests that it’s not the volume, but rather the number and density of neurons, that differ. Homing pigeons possess over twice as many hippocampal neurons as feral pigeons 7.
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Earlier studies suggested that homing pigeons have an enlarged HF 4-6. However, more recent work suggests that it’s not the volume, but rather the number and density of neurons, that differ. Homing pigeons possess over twice as many hippocampal neurons as feral pigeons 7.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
🧠🐦 Artificial selection can drive anatomical brain differences between breeds.
Homing pigeons, long used in racing and message delivery, have far greater demands on spatial memory and navigation than feral pigeons, with the hippocampal formation (HF) being crucial to this process 1-3.
Homing pigeons, long used in racing and message delivery, have far greater demands on spatial memory and navigation than feral pigeons, with the hippocampal formation (HF) being crucial to this process 1-3.
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
🧠🐦 Artificial selection can drive anatomical brain differences between breeds.
Homing pigeons, long used in racing and message delivery, have far greater demands on spatial memory and navigation than feral pigeons, with the hippocampal formation (HF) being crucial to this process 1-3.
Homing pigeons, long used in racing and message delivery, have far greater demands on spatial memory and navigation than feral pigeons, with the hippocampal formation (HF) being crucial to this process 1-3.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
🚨🕊️ New paper: “Homing and feral pigeons differ in hippocampal formation neuron size: a Golgi study”.
Read below 👇
DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s004...
#Neuroscience #BrainEvolution #EvoDevo #Hippocampus #Brain #Neuroanatomy #AvianBrain
Read below 👇
DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s004...
#Neuroscience #BrainEvolution #EvoDevo #Hippocampus #Brain #Neuroanatomy #AvianBrain
Homing and feral pigeons differ in hippocampal formation neuron size: a Golgi study - Brain Structure and Function
Artificial selection for behavioural traits can significantly affect the anatomy of brain regions related to the behaviour under selection. The homing pigeon (Columba livia) is a prime example of how ...
doi.org
October 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
🚨🕊️ New paper: “Homing and feral pigeons differ in hippocampal formation neuron size: a Golgi study”.
Read below 👇
DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s004...
#Neuroscience #BrainEvolution #EvoDevo #Hippocampus #Brain #Neuroanatomy #AvianBrain
Read below 👇
DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s004...
#Neuroscience #BrainEvolution #EvoDevo #Hippocampus #Brain #Neuroanatomy #AvianBrain
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
4. Choe SK et al. 2014, Dev Cell 28:203–211, doi.org/10.1016/j.de...
5. Giliberti A et al. 2020, Eur J Med Genet 63:103627, doi.org/10.1016/j.ej...
5. Giliberti A et al. 2020, Eur J Med Genet 63:103627, doi.org/10.1016/j.ej...
November 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
4. Choe SK et al. 2014, Dev Cell 28:203–211, doi.org/10.1016/j.de...
5. Giliberti A et al. 2020, Eur J Med Genet 63:103627, doi.org/10.1016/j.ej...
5. Giliberti A et al. 2020, Eur J Med Genet 63:103627, doi.org/10.1016/j.ej...
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
Bibliography:
1. Agoston Z et al. 2012, BMC Dev Biol 12:10, doi.org/10.1186/1471...
2. Agoston Z et al. 2014, Development 141:28–38, doi.org/10.1242/dev....
3. Choe SK et al. 2009, Dev Cell 17:561–567, doi.org/10.1016/j.de...
1. Agoston Z et al. 2012, BMC Dev Biol 12:10, doi.org/10.1186/1471...
2. Agoston Z et al. 2014, Development 141:28–38, doi.org/10.1242/dev....
3. Choe SK et al. 2009, Dev Cell 17:561–567, doi.org/10.1016/j.de...
November 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Bibliography:
1. Agoston Z et al. 2012, BMC Dev Biol 12:10, doi.org/10.1186/1471...
2. Agoston Z et al. 2014, Development 141:28–38, doi.org/10.1242/dev....
3. Choe SK et al. 2009, Dev Cell 17:561–567, doi.org/10.1016/j.de...
1. Agoston Z et al. 2012, BMC Dev Biol 12:10, doi.org/10.1186/1471...
2. Agoston Z et al. 2014, Development 141:28–38, doi.org/10.1242/dev....
3. Choe SK et al. 2009, Dev Cell 17:561–567, doi.org/10.1016/j.de...
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
📚 Meis2 is an evolutionarily conserved architect of the vertebrate brain — orchestrating regional patterning, neuronal differentiation, and circuit assembly. Its persistence in the hindbrain underscores its key role in development, evolution, and potential therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders.
November 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
📚 Meis2 is an evolutionarily conserved architect of the vertebrate brain — orchestrating regional patterning, neuronal differentiation, and circuit assembly. Its persistence in the hindbrain underscores its key role in development, evolution, and potential therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
🔬 Beyond this difference, Meis2 preserves its expression across the hypothalamus, optic tectum, cerebellar nuclei, and hindbrain rhombomeres (r1–r3), revealing a conserved molecular blueprint shaping vertebrate brain evolution.
November 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
🔬 Beyond this difference, Meis2 preserves its expression across the hypothalamus, optic tectum, cerebellar nuclei, and hindbrain rhombomeres (r1–r3), revealing a conserved molecular blueprint shaping vertebrate brain evolution.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
🧠During Xenopus laevis brain development, Meis2 expression defines ventropallial and pallidal territories (septal groups, BNST) but is almost absent from the striatum — a clear contrast with mammals that hints at evolutionary divergence in cell specification.
November 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
🧠During Xenopus laevis brain development, Meis2 expression defines ventropallial and pallidal territories (septal groups, BNST) but is almost absent from the striatum — a clear contrast with mammals that hints at evolutionary divergence in cell specification.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
🐸 Studying Meis2 in Xenopus laevis is key because its clearly segmented brain allows precise mapping of neuroanatomical boundaries.
👉 Xenopus, as an anamniote tetrapod, bridges zebrafish and amniotes, letting us explore how neuronal specification is conserved or diversified across vertebrates.
👉 Xenopus, as an anamniote tetrapod, bridges zebrafish and amniotes, letting us explore how neuronal specification is conserved or diversified across vertebrates.
November 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
🐸 Studying Meis2 in Xenopus laevis is key because its clearly segmented brain allows precise mapping of neuroanatomical boundaries.
👉 Xenopus, as an anamniote tetrapod, bridges zebrafish and amniotes, letting us explore how neuronal specification is conserved or diversified across vertebrates.
👉 Xenopus, as an anamniote tetrapod, bridges zebrafish and amniotes, letting us explore how neuronal specification is conserved or diversified across vertebrates.
Reposted by Brain Evolution News
🔬 Meis2 is a key transcription factor in neurogenesis: it cooperates with Pax6 in dopaminergic neuron differentiation 1-2, regulates progenitor proliferation 3-4, patterns forebrain & hindbrain, and mutations cause intellectual disability & cardiac defects 5.
November 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
🔬 Meis2 is a key transcription factor in neurogenesis: it cooperates with Pax6 in dopaminergic neuron differentiation 1-2, regulates progenitor proliferation 3-4, patterns forebrain & hindbrain, and mutations cause intellectual disability & cardiac defects 5.