Learning about threats: the neural and behavioural response to predator-related cues in rodents

这个项目将调查老鼠在面对猫等捕食者的气味时表现出的焦虑。这种焦虑可能与患有恐惧症等焦虑症的人所经历的非常相似。通过研究这种焦虑的性质，产生焦虑的刺激的性质，以及作为焦虑基础的学习和神经过程，我们可能会更好地理解人类的焦虑。该项目还旨在确定猫皮毛中具有驱鼠特性的新化学物质。在啮齿动物是害虫的家庭和农业环境中，这些化学物质可能会有很大的用处。

This project will investigate the anxiety displayed by rats when confronted with the odours of predators such as cats. This anxiety may be very similar to that experienced by humans who suffer from anxiety disorders such as phobias. By investigating the nature of this anxiety, the nature of the stimuli that produce it, and the learning and neural processes that underlie it we may better understand human anxiety. The project also aims to identify novel chemicals in the fur of cats that have rodent repellent properties. Such chemicals may be of great use in domestic and agricultural contexts where rodents are pests.