Neuroscience
Bacteria may be key to the mystery of why you sleep
Bacteria may be key to the mystery of why you sleep Bacteria may play a key role in regulating our sleep patterns, according to new research that suggests a substance found in bacterial cell walls is present in the brains of mice and closely aligned with the sleep cycle. The study proposes a new paradigm […]
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Can inflammation actually protect aging brains against decline?
Can inflammation actually protect aging brains against decline? A new study published in Cell Reports suggests that inflammation may actually protect aging brains against decline, challenging long-held assumptions about the immune molecule STING. Mice genetically engineered to lack STING had worse memory and movement problems, mimicking senility and frailty seen in people with dementia and […]
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Parenting strategies are shifting as neuroscience brings the developing brain into clearer focus
Parenting strategies are shifting as neuroscience brings the developing brain into clearer focus Parenting strategies are shifting as neuroscience brings the developing brain into clearer focus, revealing that old-school approaches based on outdated behavioral models can be ineffective and even harmful. The traditional “carrot and stick” approach, popularized by B.F. Skinner’s rat experiments, is not […]
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Immune cells are key to teen brain wiring
Immune cells are key to teen brain wiring Researchers have discovered that microglia, the brain’s immune cells, play a key role in wiring the adolescent brain during adolescence. The frontal cortex, responsible for executive functions such as empathy and decision-making, undergoes profound changes during adolescence, which can set the stage for neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia […]
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Neuropathic pain has no immediate cause – research on a brain receptor may help stop this hard-to-treat condition
Neuropathic pain has no immediate cause – research on a brain receptor may help stop this hard-to-treat condition Neuropathic pain, which affects 10% of the US population, has no clear cause and can be debilitating, leading to depression, anxiety, social isolation, and a deep sense of helplessness. Research on a brain receptor called GluD1 suggests […]
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Discovery challenges decades-old ideas about brain flexibility
Discovery challenges decades-old ideas about brain flexibility A new study challenges decades-old assumptions about brain flexibility by revealing that the brain uses distinct transmission sites to achieve different types of plasticity. The research, published in Science Advances, found that spontaneous and evoked transmissions use separate synaptic transmission sites, each with its own developmental timeline and […]
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Binge drinking brake found in mouse brains, offering future path to treating alcohol abuse – new research
Binge drinking brake found in mouse brains, offering future path to treating alcohol abuse – new research Researchers have identified a small cluster of neurons in the medial orbitofrontal cortex that play a key role in suppressing binge drinking behavior. The discovery was made using a genetically modified mouse model that allowed researchers to map […]
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Memories of the good parts of using drugs can keep people hooked − altering the neurons that store them could help treat addiction
Memories of the good parts of using drugs can keep people hooked − altering the neurons that store them could help treat addiction Researchers are exploring how memories of rewards can be altered to help treat addiction. By understanding how reward memories work and interact with each other, scientists can develop more effective treatments for […]
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Brain groove depth tied to better reasoning ability
Brain groove depth tied to better reasoning ability A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience has found that the depth of small grooves on the surface of the brain is linked to stronger network connectivity and better reasoning ability. The researchers, led by Silvia Bunge and Kevin Weiner from UC Berkeley, discovered that […]
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Temporary anxiety can hamper learning
Temporary anxiety can hamper learning A recent study published in Nature Science of Learning found that temporary anxiety can significantly impact learning and spatial memory. The researchers used a virtual reality game to test participants’ ability to distinguish between safe and dangerous areas, and found that those who learned to do so showed better spatial […]
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