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Treasure chest funding for Josué Haubrich (A04): The influence of aging on appetitive spatial extinction learning

Learning and memory arise from the activity of anatomically specialized brain structures, each processing specific cognitive features. However, the brain is highly networked and cognition emerges from dynamic interactions between structures rather than from isolated activity. Recent advances in brain imaging and computational modelling now enable the construction of functional connectivity maps that capture network activity during cognitive processes, including memory. However, our network-level understanding of memory is still limited. While mechanisms of fear memories are relatively well explored, less is known about appetitive spatial memories and their subsequent extinction learning (EL), a type of learning that is essential for goal‑directed navigation in everyday life. Moreover, it is unclear how these networks are modulated by ageing and by differences in synaptic plasticity and sensory integrity determined by genetic background. With his research project, Josué Haubrich now wants to investigate these connections in more detail. Josué describes his project as follows:

Finding our way to a reward depends on memories that link places, goals and changing circumstances. It is unclear if age and concomitant individual differences in brain plasticity and sensory acuity affect this process. I propose to test young (2-3 months) and mature (6-7 months) adult mice from two mouse strains that display distinct profiles of brain plasticity and sensory acuity: C57BL/6J, which develop early progressive hearing loss (presbycusis), and CBA/CaOlaHsd, whose hearing remains intact throughout life. These mice will learn an “ABA” T-maze task in which they first learn to locate a low probability food reward, then experience its absence in a maze with altered contextual cues (extinction learning), and finally return to the original but now unrewarded context, to assess whether the initial memory is renewed and then updated. Memory performance and search strategies will be evaluated, and neuronal activation across 16 key brain regions will be quantified, by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect time-dependent nuclear immediate early gene expression during renewal testing, to identify underlying brain patterns. This will reveal how ageing and sensory decline reorganize brain-wide functional networks that support flexible, goal-directed memory.

The SFB 1280 has set up a budget for its young scientists to realize their own research ideas. We use the “treasure chest” to finance convincing and independent study concepts of our early career researchers.

New Year, New Me: The Facts

As the calendar turns to a new year, millions of people around the world commit to New Year’s resolutions, making promises to use the new year as a fresh beginning and an opportunity for transformation. In 2024, almost three-quarters of the British population set themselves New Year’s resolutions — that’s around 40 million people (or the entire population of Canada). This tradition was particularly strong among younger generations, with 96% of Generation Z (aged 18-27) planning resolutions, compared to just 35% of the Silent Generation (aged 79+).

Most common new years resolutions:

  1. Saving more money (52%)
  2. Eat healthier (50%)
  3. Exercise more (48%)
  4. Lose weight (37%)
  5. Spend more time with family/friends (35%)

How long do most resolutions normally last before being broken?

  • Data from America (2016) shows that 75% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first week. 
  • 64% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first month. 
  • 46% of individuals in America keep their resolutions past the 6-month mark.

What makes resolutions stick?

Oscarsson et al. (2020) conducted research into what makes New Year’s resolutions stick. Biggest success rates depended on how people phrased their goals. Participants who set approach-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) than those with avoidance-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) were significantly more successful (58.9% vs. 47.1%) at sticking to their goals.

The study also investigates the effects of outside support. These participants received monthly follow-ups and emails with information and exercises for coping with hurdles when striving toward personal goals, and were also encouraged to set goals using the SMART technique and to set interim goals. The group that received some support was exclusively and significantly more successful compared to the groups who received a lot of support or no support at all. 

Additionally, you might feel more successful if you set goals that are measurable in numbers. While success for a person striving to quit smoking or lose weight could easily be measured in the number of cigarettes smoked or body mass index, the success for a person striving to “take better care of themselves” could be highly subjective and possibly impossible to measure.

So as we enter 2026, let’s remember to work with our brain’s natural learning system: Frame your goals positively, break them into manageable steps, and celebrate small wins along the way.