Pigeons are powerful models for studying brain processes of learning and cognition. But up to now, researchers have lacked precise tools to investigate their brain activity in detail. Biopsychologists in Bochum are now changing that. In a new study, they tested two different viral vectors via virus transport into pigeon brains. In future, this will allow them to selectively activate or inhibit specific neuron types at any time with highest precision. This opens up exciting options for future research to uncover general principles of how brains work across species.

Tuff, J. M., Haselhuhn, K., Surdin, T., Herlitze, S., Ziegler, M., Güntürkün, O., & Rook, N. (2026). Achieving cell-type specific transduction with adeno-associated viral vectors in pigeons. Current Research in Neurobiology, 10, 100157.