The RIFF: an automated environment for studying the neural basis of auditory-guided complex behavior

Behavior consists of the interaction between an organism and its environment, and is controlled by the brain. Brain activity varies at sub-second time scales, but behavioral measures are usually coarse (often consisting of only binary trial outcomes). To overcome this mismatch, we developed the RIFF: a programmable interactive arena for freely-moving rats with multiple feeding areas, multiple sound sources, high-resolution behavioral tracking, and simultaneous electrophysiological recordings. We describe two complex tasks implemented in the RIFF. Rats quickly learned these tasks and developed anticipatory behavior. Neurons in auditory cortex and posterior insula showed sensitivity to non-auditory parameters such as location and pose. Our combination of wireless electrophysiology and detailed behavioral documentation in a controlled environment produces insights into the cognitive capabilities and learning mechanisms of rats and opens the way to a better understanding of how brains control behavior.