During the reporting period, we published two review articles in a high-impact international journal to clarify the theoretical framework of our project activities. We also began collecting preliminary data using simultaneous recordings from a pair of monkeys within the same brain area, aiming to establish the data analysis process and address the challenges of this innovative experimental approach. Additionally, we explored a range of individual behaviors and social interactions in the two animals from a neuroethological perspective. This work led to preliminary findings, which were shared at various national and international conferences, and a research article that has been accepted for publication in Science.
On the technical and methodological side, we conducted initial tests on viral vector expression to evaluate their efficiency for optogenetic and chemogenetic experiments planned for future stages of the project.
We acquired and prepared the new equipment, including telemetric recording devices, required for neuroethological experiments.
Despite delays in obtaining the animals due to a general shortage of non-human primates from EU suppliers, we successfully acquired the first group of four monkeys for the project. We prepared these animals for neuroethological recordings by performing behavioral tests and experiments. These studies, conducted in collaboration with a renowned primatologist, have revealed unique social and behavioral dynamics among the group. The results may form the basis for a behavioral publication or serve as a foundation for the neuroethological recordings scheduled in the coming months.
