Topic: categorical encoding

The brain is efficient to categorize continuous sensory inputs into discrete perceptions to aid efficient action. The brain-wide neural mechanism underlying this sensory-to-categorical transformation remains elusive. Here we recorded brain-wide neuronal activity by Neuropixels probes in mice performing a two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) odor categorization task, using different combinations of odor mixtures. Mixtures of two pure odors were delivered at different ratios, and the left or right lick decision after a delay period should be based on the category defined by the dominant odor. Mi

Animals are remarkably adept at recognizing the categorical significance of stimuli and using this information to guide behavior. Investigations of visual categorization in primates have focused on a hierarchy of cortical areas that transform veridical sensory information into abstract categorical representations. However, categorical behaviors are evident throughout the animal kingdom, including in species without a neocortex, raising a question about the contributions of subcortical regions to primate categorization. One candidate structure is the superior colliculus (SC), a midbrain sensori