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amygdala

The image shows myelin, stained in blue, in a rat's hippocampus.

·February 12, 2014·4 min read

New Evidence That Chronic Stress Predisposes Brain to Mental Illness

Researchers show chronic stress generates long term changes in the brain. The finding could explain why people suffering from chronic stress are prone to developing additional mental health problems.

The image shows neurons in the amgydala and brain stem.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 12, 2014·3 min read

Scientists Discover a New Pathway for Fear Deep Within the Brain

Researchers announce the discovery of a new neural circuit which connects the amygdala to the PAG.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 17, 2013·2 min read

Research Team Finds Hope for Pharmacological Solution to Cocaine Addiction

Researchers suggest a method of biologically manipulating neural circuitry could lead to a new pharmacological approach which could weaken cocaine withdrawal.

This fMRI scan shows the location of the amygdala in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2013·2 min read

Fear in the Balance

Researchers report increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex is linked to decreased activity in the amygdala.

The image shows the position of the amygdala in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 3, 2013·4 min read

Kids Whose Bond With Mother Was Disrupted Early in Life Show Changes in Brain

A new neuroimaging study finds children who experienced maternal deprivation show different responses in the amygdala.

This is an image of the face used in the study.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·November 20, 2013·4 min read

Focusing on Faces

The neurons in the amygdala of ASD patients have reduced sensitivity to the eye region of other people's faces, a new study reports.

This mri scan shows the location of the amygdala.

Featured Psychology

·November 20, 2013·3 min read

Size, Connectivity of Brain Region Linked to Anxiety Level in Young Children

Using neuroimaging technology to measure the size and connectivity of the amygdala allows researchers to predict the degree of anxiety a young child experiences in daily life, a new study reports.

Featured Psychology

·November 1, 2013·4 min read

Researchers Determine How Treatment for Anxiety Disorders Silences Fear Neurons

Using mouse models, researchers report that exposure therapy remodels an inhibitory junction in the amygdala. The findings could improve understanding of how exposure therapy could suppress fear responses and help develop new treatment methods for those with anxiety disorders.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 15, 2013·5 min read

New Role for ‘Hunger Hormone’: Study Finds Ghrelin Primes the Brain for PTSD

The "hunger hormone" ghrelin, when released during chronic stress, makes the brain more vulnerable to traumatic events. Researchers suggest this could predispose people to PTSD.

The image shows the opiod system in the brain.

Featured Psychology

·October 10, 2013·5 min read

Sticks and Stones: Brain Releases Natural Painkillers During Social Rejection

Researchers find the opioid system responds to social rejection, not just physical pain.

This drawing is a human outline with a brain and stomach connection shown.

Featured Neurology

·September 26, 2013·4 min read

Scientists Identify Brain Circuitry Which Triggers Overeating

Researchers have pinpointed the precise cellular connections responsible for triggering overeating.

Featured Psychology

·September 22, 2013·3 min read

Calming Fear During Sleep

Researchers reduce fear by exposing people to the memory over and over while they slept. The finding could provide a new treatment option for those who suffer from phobias.