Partially Segregated Neural Networks for Spatial and Contextual Memory in Virtual Navigation

in Hippocampus (2008), 18(5), 503-518

Finding our way in a previously learned, ecologically valid environment concurrently involves spatial and contextual cognitive operations. The former process accesses a cognitive map representing the ... [more ▼]

Finding our way in a previously learned, ecologically valid environment concurrently involves spatial and contextual cognitive operations. The former process accesses a cognitive map representing the spatial interactions between all paths in the environment. The latter accesses stored associations between landmark objects and their milieu. Here, we aimed at dissociating their neural basis in the context of memory-based virtual navigation. To do so, subjects freely explored a virtual town for 1 h, then were scanned using fMRI while retrieving their way between two locations, under four navigation conditions designed to probe separately or jointly the spatial and contextual memory components. Besides prominent commonalities found in a large hippocampo-neocortical network classically involved in topographical navigation, results yield evidence for a partial dissociation between the brain areas supporting spatial and contextual components of memory-based navigation. Performance-related analyses indicate that hippocampal activity mostly supports the spatial component, whereas parahippocampal activity primarily supports the contextual component. Additionally, the recruitment of contextual memory during navigation was associated with higher frontal, posterior parietal and lateral temporal activity. These results provide evidence for a partial segregation of the neural substrates of two crucial memory components in human navigation, whose combined involvement eventually leads to efficient navigation behavior within a learned environment. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [less ▲]

Participation à l'émission "Clé des Champs" de la RTBF

Diverse speeche and writing (2001)

Participation à l'émission radio "Faits divers" de la RTBF - Liège

Diverse speeche and writing (1991)

participation à l'émission télévisée "La voix"

Diverse speeche and writing (1989)

Participation à l'Etat de l'Environnement Wallon - Fascicule consacré aux industries - Chapitre II : Pressions

Report (1999)

The report results of a study asked by Walloon Government to summarize the principal environmental pressures generated by industries in Wallonia (Belgium). Different aspects are considered : air, water ... [more ▼]

The report results of a study asked by Walloon Government to summarize the principal environmental pressures generated by industries in Wallonia (Belgium). Different aspects are considered : air, water, waste, soil, noise, odour, GMO and accidents. Available data are inventoried and analysed. However, the report was not officially published by the Walloon region. This reference is the internal report. [less ▲]

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Conference (2009, November 24)

Participation à la Table ronde autour du livre de Dominique Pradelle Par-delà la révolution copernicienne

Conference (2012, December 11)

Participation au Débat autour des livres d'Eric Clemens, Les brisures du réel (Ousia, 2010) et de Julien Pieron, Pour une lecture systématique de Heidegger (Ousia, 2010), en présence des auteurs. Répondants : Lambros Couloubaritsis et Daniel Giovannangeli

Conference given outside the academic context (2010)

Participation au Débat autour du livre de B. Bégout, La découverte du quotidien[, Paris, Allia, 2005]

Conference (2006, June 20)