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amygdala

·March 4, 2021·5 min read

Brain State Behind Social Interaction Uncovered

The activity of different populations of neurons in the amygdala governs whether mice interact with their peers, or indulge in self-centered behaviors.

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·February 22, 2021·5 min read

Sleep Is Vital to Associating Emotion With Memory

Following exposure to visual stimuli, the neurons activated by the stimuli remain more active during subsequent sleep. Sleep is vital for these neurons to connect an emotional or fearful memory to a sensory event.

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·February 18, 2021·4 min read

Taste and Its Two Ways to the Brain

Both the orthonasal and retronasal routes, in addition to our taste buds, shape our taste perception of foods.

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·February 12, 2021·5 min read

The Neurocognitive Basis of Bias Against People Who Look Different

Neuroimaging revealed when people saw an anomalous face, the fusiform gyri and amygdala showed significant neural responses. Activity in a region of the left amygdala, which correlated with less pro-social responses to the anomalous face, appeared to relate to the participant's belief about justice in the world and their degree of empathetic concern.

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·February 9, 2021·4 min read

Traumatic Stress in Childhood Can Lead to Brain Changes in Adulthood

Experiencing trauma or extreme stress during childhood can lead to structural changes in the hippocampus and amygdala that can be seen decades later.

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·January 19, 2021·4 min read

Childhood Neglect Leaves Generational Imprint

Infant children whose mothers experienced neglect when they were young showed altered brain circuitry in areas associated with anxiety and fear response.

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·November 29, 2020·4 min read

Why Our Obsession With Happy Endings Can Lead to Bad Decisions

Study concludes one reason we may make unwise decisions is our preference for a positive outcome.

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·November 23, 2020·5 min read

Brain Cells That Help Drive Bodily Reaction to Fear and Anxiety Identified

Pnoc neurons in the BNST trigger pupillary response and increase heart rate in response to anxiety and fear.

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·November 16, 2020·4 min read

Chronic Alcohol Use Reshapes the Brain’s Immune Landscape, Driving Anxiety and Addiction

Study identifies inflammatory mechanisms and cellular activity in the amygdala that drives alcohol addiction in mice. Chronic alcohol exposure compromises immune cells in the brain, driving anxiety and alcohol consumption that may lead to the development of AUD.

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·November 5, 2020·4 min read

How Does the Brain Process Fear?

Study reveals the globus pallidus plays a critical role in fear processing.

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·October 31, 2020·4 min read

Should I Run, or Should I Not? The Neural Basis of Aggression and Flight

Study reveals a key role for the ventromedial hypothalamus in fight or flight behaviors. Findings suggest the ventromedial hypothalamus alters in response to social experiences.

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·October 19, 2020·6 min read

Fear and Anxiety Share Same Bases in Brain

Fear and anxiety share overlapping neural circuits. The findings contradict the popular belief that anxiety and fear are distinct emotions with different triggers and segregated brain circuits.