Giorgio Vallortígara

Born with an abstract code for number: evidence from cross-modal and cross-format neural adaptation in the first three days of life

The paper shows newborns have an abstract number code through cross-modal and cross-format neural adaptation using EEG.

The Brain Encodes Pure Logic Beyond Natural Language And At The Boundaries With Mathematics

The paper investigates how the brain processes pure logic by comparing neural activity during logic, language, and arithmetic tasks, finding distinct brain circuits for logic.

Early Emergence of Auditory Quantity Discrimination in Domestic Chicks

This study shows domestic chicks prefer higher numerosity in auditory sequences when continuous variables are not controlled, but not when they are.

Visual detection of cryptic displays in jumping spiders

This study investigates how jumping spiders detect moving targets through their secondary eyes and finds that they respond to spatiotemporal luminance changes without requiring full motion segmentation.

Antlion larvae follow optimality rules in body orientation during sand-tossing

Antlion larvae reorient toward prey-like vibrations using optimal angular paths to achieve efficient sand-throwing positions.

Number-Space Association in Macaques

This study investigates number-space associations in macaques, finding that relative numerical context, not absolute magnitude, drives directional spatial biases.

Space-number association in zebrafish

This study shows zebrafish exhibit a spatial-numerical association, preferring smaller numbers on the left and larger ones on the right in a behavioral task.

Predisposed and learned preferences for multipoint visual statistics in visually naïve newly hatched chicks

This paper shows that visually naive chicks prefer specific multipoint correlation patterns, similar to humans and rats, and that early visual experience can alter these preferences.

Neural encoding of innate preference to gravity-defying motion

The paper investigates the neural basis of innate attention to gravity-defying motion in domestic chicks, finding direction-sensitive neurons in the NCL that predict behavioral responses to upward movement.

Odor sequence learning in honeybees: insights from olfactory classical conditioning paradigm

This study investigates whether honeybees can learn and generalize temporal odor sequences using olfactory classical conditioning, revealing strategies that prioritize single-odor properties over sequence patterns.

Jumping spiders are not fooled by the peripheral drift illusion

This study tests whether jumping spiders are affected by the peripheral drift illusion, finding they do not perceive static sawtooth patterns as rotating.

A left-to-right bias in spatial numerical associations with dots and symbols

The paper investigates the left-to-right bias in spatial numerical associations using implicit tasks with dot patterns and symbolic numbers in Western adults, finding asymmetric associations with non-symbolic stimuli.

Ordered developmental emergence of number-selective neurons in days-old zebrafish

The paper shows number-selective neurons in zebrafish develop in a sequential order, with neurons for higher numbers appearing later and a decoder based on these neurons can predict visual numerosity.

A Kaspar Hauser experiment for innateness of numerical cognition

The paper demonstrates that newly-hatched chicks can discriminate quantities without prior experience, supporting the innateness of non-symbolic numerical cognition.

Manganese Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging reveals light-induced brain asymmetry in embryo

This study uses MEMRI to show light-induced brain asymmetry in chick embryos, demonstrating the feasibility of in vivo imaging for studying sensory stimulation effects on embryonic brain development.

Number neurons in the nidopallium of young domestic chicks

The paper identifies number neurons in the caudal nidopallium of young domestic chicks, suggesting inborn numerosity perception in vertebrates.

Functional MRI reveals memories of mother in newborn chicks

The paper uses functional MRI in newborn chicks to identify the brain regions involved in long-term storage of imprinting memories.

Light-induced asymmetries in the embryonic retina are mediated by the vascular system and extracellular matrix

The paper investigates light-induced left-right asymmetries in the chick retina, finding transient gene expression changes and links to vascular and extracellular matrix pathways.

Neurons in the dorso-central division of zebrafish pallium respond to change in visual numerosity

The paper investigates the neural basis of non-symbolic number cognition in zebrafish by examining activation patterns in the pallium during changes in visual numerosity.

Newborns' sensitivity to speed changes as a building block for animacy perception

This study investigates whether newborns show attentional bias toward objects with speed changes, suggesting a foundational mechanism for animacy perception.

Embryonic Exposure to Valproic Acid impairs Social Predispositions for Dynamic Cues of Animate Motion in Newly-Hatched Chicks

This study shows that prenatal exposure to valproic acid impairs chicks' preference for dynamic social stimuli, suggesting a link to early ASD symptoms.

A mental number line in human newborns

The paper shows that newborns associate smaller numbers with the left and larger numbers with the right, suggesting an innate spatial-numerical association.

A cortical route for face-like pattern processing in human newborns

The paper shows that newborns have a cortical network for face processing that is active at birth, overlapping with the adult face-processing circuit.

Embryonic Exposure to Valproic Acid Disrupts Social Predispositions in Newly-Hatched Chicks

This study shows that embryonic exposure to valproic acid disrupts social predispositions in newly-hatched chicks without affecting imprinting learning.

Naïve chicks prefer hollow objects

The paper shows that naive chicks prefer hollow objects over filled ones, suggesting an innate preference rather than learned behavior.

Newborn chicks show inherited variability in early social predispositions for hen-like stimuli

The paper shows that newborn chicks from different breeds exhibit inherited variability in their early social preferences for hen-like stimuli, suggesting genetic influence on social predispositions.