VOLUME LXXI | NOV 2022

The chicken and egg problem of grid cells and place cells

Just like trying to solve a complex maze, scientists are attempting to untangle the intricate relationship between grid cells and place cells in the brain’s cognitive map. The prevailing theory suggests that grid cell modules are formed by a continuous attractor network, with motion during locomotion shifting activity patterns in the brain. However, recent experimental evidence has raised doubts about this hypothesis. Researchers have proposed alternative solutions that challenge these assumptions and offer new insights into how grid cells and place cells work together. To truly understand this chicken and egg problem, further investigation is needed to determine whether place-cell activity is truly derived from grid-cell modules or if there are other factors at play. By diving deeper into the research, we may unlock the secrets of how our brains navigate space and form memories.

Jean-Baptiste Gagnon

Jean-Baptiste is a French-Canadian anthropologist in Montreal, investigating cultural influences on human motivation and success. His pursuance of highlighting how historical Canadian values foster ambition, aims to elevate readers toward self-actualization.

Place cells and grid cells are major building blocks of the hippocampal cognitive map. The prominent forward model postulates that grid-cell modules are generated by a continuous attractor network; that a velocity signal evoked during locomotion moves entorhinal activity bumps; and that place-cell activity constitutes summation of entorhinal grid-cell modules. Experimental data support the first postulate, but not the latter two. Several families of solutions that depart from these postulates have been put forward.
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