Information sharing within a social network is key to behavioral flexibility-Lessons from mice tested under seminaturalistic conditions.

ABSTRACT: Being part of a social structure offers chances for social learning vital for survival and reproduction. Nevertheless, studying the neural mechanisms of social learning under laboratory conditions remains challenging. To investigate the impact of socially transmitted information about rewards on individual behavior, we used Eco-HAB, an automated system monitoring the voluntary behavior of group-housed mice under seminaturalistic conditions. In these settings, male mice spontaneously form social networks, with individuals occupying diverse positions. We show that a rewarded group member's scent affects the ability of conspecifics to search for rewards in familiar and novel environments. The scent's impact depends on the animal's social position. Furthermore, disruption of neuronal plasticit

SUBMITTER: Winiarski M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11698118 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature