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amygdala

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·February 22, 2019·9 min read

Finding the Elusive Drinking ‘Brake’

Researchers have uncovered a mechanism in the BNST that senses the negative effects of alcohol and modulates the urge to drink. The study reports that when this mechanism doesn't function correctly, we lose the ability to recognize that we have had enough to drink.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 14, 2019·3 min read

Brain Pathways of Aversion Identified

Researchers have identified a specific pathway between the hypothalamus and habenula that controls feelings of aversion.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 11, 2019·5 min read

Brain Cells that Modulate Behavioral Response to Threats Identified

Researchers implicate neurons within the dorsolateral septum in the regulation of fearful behaviors in mice.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 11, 2019·4 min read

Insulin Signaling Failures in Brain Linked to Alzheimer’s

A new study reveals impaired insulin signaling in the brain negatively affects cognition, memory and learning. The findings shed light on why those with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 6, 2019·5 min read

Heavy Drinking in Teens Causes Lasting Changes in Emotional Center of Brain

A new study reports teenage binge drinking can result in lasting epigenetic changes that alter the expression of BDNF-AS, a protein vital for the formation of neural connection in the amygdala.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 25, 2019·4 min read

Brain Pathway Linked to Impulsive Behaviors Identified

A new study reveals impulsive behaviors may be triggered when dopamine passes from the amygdala to the BNST.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 22, 2019·3 min read

Brain Biomarkers Identify Those at Risk of Severe PTSD Symptoms

Researchers report the striatum and amygdala are less able to track changes in threat levels in those with severe PTSD. The findings may serve as a biomarker to evaluate who may be at greater risk of PTSD symptoms.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 22, 2019·4 min read

All Too Human: The Price We Pay for Our Advanced Brains May Be a Greater Tendency to Disorders

Researchers report the neural code of the prefrontal cortex is more efficient than the amygdala in both humans and primates. The lower resistance of the amygdala to errors in humans may play a role in exaggerated survival responses, such as those seen in anxiety and PTSD.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Pain

·January 20, 2019·7 min read

The Brain Cells That Make Pain Unpleasant Identified

Researchers report the sensation and emotional experiences of pain are not the same. A new study reveals neurons in the amygdala responsible for negative emotions associated with chronic pain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 14, 2019·4 min read

Teen Brain Volume Changes with Small Amount of Cannabis Use

Even small amounts of cannabis use in teens can alter gray matter volume in the brain, a new study reports. Researchers report those exposed to cannabis had more gray matter volume in the amygdala and hippocampus, areas of the brain linked to emotional processes and memory development.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 7, 2019·5 min read

PAC1R Mutation May Be Linked to Severity of Social Deficits in ASD

Researchers report a mutation of PAC1R may be linked to the severity of social deficits experienced by those on the autism spectrum. The findings could serve as a biomarker to guide interventions and predict better outcomes for children with ASD.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 7, 2019·3 min read

Brain Imaging Predicts Response to Public Health Campaign

A new neuroimaging study helps researchers predict the response people will have to public health campaigns. The study may help epidemiologists design campaigns to help change people's attitudes and behaviors.