The snails were trained on a dirt simple task -- to keep their breathing holes closed when tapped. This is apparently a standard learning model, where researchers studying learning/memory can show that slimy snails can actually learn this task, and remember it for a period of time.
Bottom line? These slow learners learned faster, and kept the learning longer when they were exposed to epicatechin, which is found in chocolate, wine, and tea.
Again, why is this relevant? Because a very simple animal like a snail can reveal whether there is learning at the most basic, most elemental level in a biological system. We have great evidence linking chocolate with improved cognitive performance in humans. The work on lower animals can reveal the more primary mechanisms behind it.
Again, why is this relevant? Because a very simple animal like a snail can reveal whether there is learning at the most basic, most elemental level in a biological system. We have great evidence linking chocolate with improved cognitive performance in humans. The work on lower animals can reveal the more primary mechanisms behind it.
Source:
J. Exp. Biol. 215, 3566-3576. (2012)
'A flavonol present in cocoa [(–)epicatechin] enhances snail memory'
Authors: Fruson, L., Dalesman, S. and Lukowiak, K.
J. Exp. Biol. 215, 3566-3576. (2012)
'A flavonol present in cocoa [(–)epicatechin] enhances snail memory'
Authors: Fruson, L., Dalesman, S. and Lukowiak, K.
