Olfactory Imprinting: A Worm's Memory of Things Past

Abstract

Exposure to distinct stimuli during critical periods of development can affect behavior long-term. A new study in Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrates that changes in neuronal activity of one synaptic connection following early-life pheromone exposure are sufficient to permanently enhance specific avoidance responses. Exposure to distinct stimuli during critical periods of development can affect behavior long-term. A new study in Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrates that changes in neuronal activity of one synaptic connection following early-life pheromone exposure are sufficient to permanently enhance specific avoidance responses.