These studies reveals that rodents exhibit rapid learning supported by distinct higher-order signals in the auditory cortex, separating learning from performance. Additionally, mice demonstrate structured, dynamic strategies—including choice biases and environmental probing—that suggest the use of internal models and flexible decision-making throughout learning.Zhu Z, Kuchibhotla KV. Performance errors during rodent learning reflect a dynamic choice strategy. Curr Biol. 2024 May 20
Drieu C, Zhu Z, Wang Z, Fuller K, Wang A, Elnozahy S, Kuchibhotla K. Rapid emergence of latent knowledge in the sensory cortex drives learning. Nature. 2025 Mar 19.