Researchers at Kyoto University developed a rapid habit formation method in mice to study neural changes. Habits shift from deliberate to automatic decision-making, but whether behaviors replicate exactly or evolve during habit formation remains unclear. The team trained mice using a two-stage approach: first goal-directed strategies, then four days to induce habitual behavior.

This allowed direct tracking of transitions. Nozomi Asaoka notes habits are mysterious brain functions, and understanding them may help control problematic behaviors. The study identified two neural circuits: one from the anterior cingulate cortex to the retrosplenial cortex weakens during habit formation, while another from the lateral orbitofrontal cortex to the central striatum governs execution intensity. Mice with strong neural responses in the second circuit maintained high habit execution, whereas weaker responses reduced it. Yasunori Hayashi emphasizes that individual differences in habit intensity explain why habits vary between people, potentially aiding treatments for disorders like OCD.

Manipulating these pathways confirmed their distinct roles, revealing habit formation is more complex than simple repetition. The team plans to explore drivers of individual differences to improve beneficial habits and address problematic ones.