Frontal cortex selectively overrides auditory processing to bias perception for looming sonic motion.

ABSTRACT: Rising intensity sounds signal approaching objects traveling toward an observer. A variety of species preferentially respond to looming over receding auditory motion, reflecting an evolutionary perceptual bias for recognizing approaching threats. We probed the neural origins of this stark perceptual anisotropy to reveal how the brain creates privilege for auditory looming events. While recording neural activity via electroencephalography (EEG), human listeners rapidly judged whether dynamic (intensity varying) tones were looming or receding in percept. Behaviorally, listeners responded faster to auditory looms confirming a perceptual bias for approaching signals. EEG source analysis revealed sensory activation localized to primary auditory cortex (PAC) and decision-related activity in pref

SUBMITTER: Bidelman GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6898789 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature