FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·December 4, 2024·6 min readNewly Discovered Brain Circuit Predicts Response to StressResearchers identified a brain circuit involving the amygdala and hippocampus that predicts resilience to stress in mice. Mice with disrupted neural communication in this circuit struggled to seek rewards, but activating the neurons restored resilience and improved decision-making.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 23, 2024·5 min readOur “Reptilian” Brain Areas’ Role in Emotion and Social SkillsA new study uncovers constant communication between the human brain's social cognitive network, responsible for understanding others' thoughts, and the amygdala, known for processing fear and emotions. High-resolution brain scans revealed that this connection helps the brain integrate emotional importance into social interactions.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 2, 2024·6 min readAmygdala Cells Linked to AnxietyResearchers have identified specific cell types in the amygdala linked to anxiety, revealing potential new targets for treatment. By analyzing gene expression in human and macaque brains, scientists discovered clusters of cells with unique roles, including “gatekeeper” cells that help control emotional responses.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 25, 2024·6 min readDepression Alters Brain Circuits, Heightening Negative PerceptionScientists have identified how depression alters the brain’s response to positive and negative stimuli, particularly in the amygdala, a key emotional processing center. The study found that depression reduces neural activity linked to positive perceptions while increasing it for negative perceptions.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 24, 2024·7 min readNew Brain Stimulation Target Could Treat PTSDA new study suggests that neurostimulation targeting specific brain circuits may help treat PTSD in veterans. Researchers found that veterans with damage to brain areas connected to the amygdala, the brain's fear center, were less likely to develop PTSD.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 22, 2024·4 min readBrain Activity May Help Predict Risk of Postpartum DepressionNew research suggests that increased activity in the brain's amygdala during pregnancy may indicate a higher risk of postpartum depression. A study comparing pregnant and non-pregnant women found that those with higher amygdala activity struggled more with emotional regulation and reported more depression symptoms.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 9, 2024·3 min readClassical Music Synchronizes Brain Waves, Improving DepressionWestern classical music can significantly affect brain activity, particularly in people with treatment-resistant depression. By measuring brainwaves and neural imaging, scientists discovered that music synchronizes neural oscillations between brain regions associated with sensory and emotional processing, enhancing mood. This study suggests that personalized music therapy could be a powerful tool for treating depression, especially when integrated with other sensory stimuli.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 26, 2024·4 min readDepression Linked to Amygdala ActivityA new study reveals how depression affects brain activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of rats. Using a microelectrode array, researchers found increased theta frequency activity in the BLA correlated with depressive behaviors. These findings could pave the way for targeted treatments for depression. The research highlights the potential of specific brain activity as a biomarker for depression.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 7, 2024·6 min readUnlocking Sleep’s Role in Emotional HealthA new study illuminated the mechanisms by which sleep aids in processing emotional memories, crucial for mental health. The research synthesizes over two decades of data to reveal how neurotransmitters like serotonin and noradrenaline, inactive during REM sleep, facilitate the recalibration of emotional experiences.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·April 24, 2024·5 min readBrain Circuit for Nausea-Induced Appetite Loss DiscoveredResearchers identified a brain circuit that curbs eating behavior in mice when they feel nauseous. The study, focusing on the amygdala, discovered specific nerve cells activated by nausea that suppress appetite, distinct from those activated by satiety.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 21, 2024·6 min readTargeting Stress Neurons Could Curb Problem Alcohol UseResearchers made a significant discovery, identifying that inhibiting neurons related to stress responses may decrease alcohol consumption in individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) simultaneously. Their study used a rat model to demonstrate that reducing the activity of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) producing neurons in the central amygdala lessens alcohol intake without affecting trauma-related anxiety.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 24, 2024·4 min readUnlocking the Brain’s Fear Circuitry: A Pathway to Survival ResponsesScientists have identified a new neural pathway that plays a crucial role in how the brain shifts to high-intensity fear responses. This discovery pinpoints a previously unknown connection between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, crucial for emotional regulation and decision-making during fearful situations.Read More
