Kyoto University Researchers Uncover Neural Mechanisms Behind Habit Formation in Mice
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new training method to study habit formation in mice, revealing complex neural mechanisms. The study, led by Yasunori Hayashi, found that habit formation involves two distinct neural circuits. The first circuit, involving the anterior cingulate cortex and retrosplenial cortex, determines whether a behavior becomes a habit. The second circuit, from the lateral orbitofrontal cortex to the central striatum, controls the execution level of the habit. This research highlights that habit formation is more complex than previously thought, with significant individual differences in habit execution. The findings could lead to better understanding and control of habits, potentially aiding in the treatment of conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder. 
