Space Radiation Alters Genotype–Phenotype Correlations in Fear Learning and Memory Tests

Molecular Mechanisms of Fear Learning and Memory

Pavlovian fear conditioning is a particularly useful behavioral paradigm for exploring the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory because a well-defined response to a specific environmental stimulus is produced through associative learning processes. Synaptic plasticity in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA) underlies this form of associative learning. Here, we summarize the molecular...

Learning alters local face space geometry

The effects of learning on the geometry of face space were investigated by measuring thresholds for discrimination and recognition of synthetic faces. This was based on a novel experimental technique that permitted measurement of psychometric functions for face recognition. Two major results were obtained. First, thresholds for face recognition were significantly better than thresholds for disc...

Circadian modulation of learning and memory in fear-conditioned mice.

Endogenous processes referred to as circadian oscillators generate many of the daily rhythms in physiology and behavior of a variety of animals including humans. We investigated the possible circadian regulation of acquisition, recall and extinction in two strains of mice (C-57/6J and C-3H). Mice were trained in either the day or night with a tone and context fear conditioning protocol. The mic...

A Fear-Inducing Odor Alters PER2 and c-Fos Expression in Brain Regions Involved in Fear Memory

Evidence demonstrates that rodents learn to associate a foot shock with time of day, indicating the formation of a fear related time-stamp memory, even in the absence of a functioning SCN. In addition, mice acquire and retain fear memory better during the early day compared to the early night. This type of memory may be regulated by circadian pacemakers outside of the SCN. As a first step in te...

Epigenetic memory of space radiation exposure