Neural Mechanisms of Natural Spatial Behaviors in Bats

Our lab seeks to understand the neural basis of natural spatial behaviors in mammals. To do so, we take a neuroethological approach that leverages the specialization of the bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) for 3D spatial movement and in particular, its ability to elegantly navigate at high spatial precision during high-speed flight and across different sensory conditions. In parallel, we pioneer a suite of cutting-edge technologies that make it possible to study the behavior and neural circuits in freely flying bats in ways not previously possible. In this talk, I will focus on the neural representation in the hippocampus of flying bats across space and time. I will discuss findings addressing how the hippocampus represents spatial information during aerial navigation on both short (milliseconds/seconds) and long (days/weeks) timescales and from single individuals to groups.

Speaker: Michael Yartsev, UC Berkeley