Neural Link Between Altruism and Empathy Toward Strangers
Researchers report those who enter into an altruistic act, such as donating a kidney to an anonymous recipient, are more sensitive to a stranger's fear and pain.... Read More...
amygdala
Does Neuroscience Hold the Key to Understanding the Criminal Mind?
According to a new study those with higher criminal tendencies choose to take risks and gamble more than law abiding citizens.... Read More...
Eye Movements Take Edge off Traumatic Memories
Researchers report EMDR, a widely used but controversial psychotherapy technique, can help suppress fear related amygdala activity during the recall of traumatic memories.... Read More...
Looking Inside the Brain to Distinguish Bipolar from Depression
A new neuroimaging study reveals those with bipolar depression have less activity in the amygdala and few connections with other areas of the brain than those with clinical depression. ... Read More...
The Link Between Obesity, Genetics and the Brain
A new study sheds light on the roles both genetics and neuroanatomy play in obesity. Researchers report those with higher BMI had reduced cognitive flexibility, reduced ability to delay gratification and worse verbal memory. Additionally, those with increased BMI have increased amygdala and left prefrontal cortex volume.... Read More...
Painting a Nuanced Picture of Brain System Regulation Moods and Movements
A new study reports the serotonin system is made up of multiple parallel pathways that affect the brain in different, and sometimes opposing, ways.... Read More...
Key Brain Circuits for Reward Seeking and Avoidance Behavior Identified
Researchers have identified two subpopulations of neurons in the BNST that connect to separate populations of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus which appear to drive two opposing emotional states; avoidance and reward seeking... Read More...
How Brains of Doers Differ From Those of Procrastinators
Researchers use neuroimaging technology to identify brain differences between those who procrastinate and those who are doers. The study reveals people with poor action control have a larger amygdala, and the connection between the dorsal ACC and amygdala is less pronounced.... Read More...
It’s All in the Eyes: Amygdala’s Role in the Experience and Perception of Fear
A new study reveals a new hypothesis about the role the amygdala plays in the experience and perception of fear. Researchers say, instead of directly mediating fear, the amygdala is involved in a person's ability to attend to the whites of another person's widening eyes, something that is more generally important to social functioning. ... Read More...
How the Brain Suppresses the Act of Revenge
A new neuroimaging study reveals the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plays a vital role in suppressing the act of revenge.... Read More...
Stress During Pregnancy Increases Mood Disorder Risk for Female Offspring
A new study reports maternal stress during pregnancy can increase the risk of female offspring developing mood disorders. Researchers reveal higher maternal cortisol levels during pregnancy were linked to alterations in newborns' functional brain connectivity in emotional processing areas.... Read More...
Targeting a Brain Mechanism Could Help Treat Aggression
Researchers have identified some of the key neurobiological mechanisms that help keep aggression under control. The findings could help develop targeted treatments to help those with aggressive problems associated with psychological disorders.... Read More...