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behavioral neuroscience

·April 24, 2025·4 min read

Oxytocin Powers Altruistic Responses via Parallel Brain Circuits

A new study reveals that mice instinctively display rescue-like behaviors toward anesthetized peers, offering powerful evidence that prosociality may be hardwired in mammals. Researchers identified oxytocin as a key driver, activating two brain pathways to coordinate emotional and motor responses.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 29, 2025·3 min read

Dopamine Circuit in Brain Found to Drive Male Ejaculation

New research uncovers how dopamine in the ventral shell of the nucleus accumbens (vsNAc) governs the sexual behavior sequence in male mice, from sniffing to ejaculation. Using fiber photometry, scientists identified rhythmic dopamine activity during intromission that aligns with movement patterns and is regulated by acetylcholine inputs.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 15, 2025·4 min read

Herpes Virus Linked to Long-Term Brain and Neurological Problems

A new study reveals that herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), commonly known for causing cold sores, can travel through the nasal cavity directly to the brain, causing severe and lasting neurological symptoms. In animal experiments, nasal HSV-1 infection led to persistent neurological dysfunction, including anxiety and cognitive impairment.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 11, 2025·5 min read

Eating Seafood Linked to Kinder, More Socially Skilled Young Children

Children who regularly eat seafood at age 7 exhibit more positive social behaviors—such as sharing, helping, and interacting kindly—by ages 7 and 9, compared to those who rarely consume seafood. This finding, from a large study tracking nearly 6,000 children, underscores seafood’s role in supporting behavioral and social development during childhood.

Neuroscience

·March 6, 2025·6 min read

People in the Minority Often Self-Silence, Affecting Their Behavior

A new study shows that people with minority viewpoints on controversial topics often self-silence when discussing their opinions, leading them to behave in ways that contradict their true beliefs. Researchers found that participants who disagreed with the majority view avoided fully expressing their stance and engaged in behaviors that aligned with the majority. This self-silencing reduced cognitive engagement, making them less likely to reflect deeply on the conversation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 5, 2025·5 min read

Psychological “Noise” May Reveal More About Human Thought Than Expected

A new study challenges the idea that variability in human behavior, often seen as "noise," is simply an error to be minimized. Researchers argue that noise provides valuable insights into cognitive processes, from decision-making to moral reasoning.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 19, 2025·6 min read

15 Key Motives Drive Human Behavior

Researchers analyzed human motivation from an evolutionary perspective, identifying 15 key motives that drive behavior. These motives, grouped into five categories—environmental, physiological, reproductive, psychological, and social—reflect adaptations that helped early humans survive.

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·January 22, 2025·6 min read

Dopamine Drives Aggression Learning in Males

New research reveals that dopamine plays a crucial role in teaching young male mice to fight, with the chemical’s influence diminishing as they gain experience. In novice fighters, boosting dopamine increased aggression, while blocking it stopped them from fighting.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 27, 2024·4 min read

Oxytocin Influences Social Behavior and Emotional Response

New research reveals how oxytocin profoundly influences social behavior and emotional responses in the brain. Animal models have shown how this hormone impacts social fear and how chronic stress or early life experiences shape behavioral patterns.

This shows DNA and the outline of a person.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 13, 2024·7 min read

Genetic Mechanism Links Emotional Experiences to Behavior Changes

Researchers have identified a genetic mechanism that regulates behavioral adaptations to emotional experiences by forming R-loops, unique RNA:DNA structures that activate target genes. The study focused on NPAS4, a gene implicated in stress and drug addiction, showing how blocking R-loops prevents maladaptive behaviors like cocaine seeking and stress-induced anhedonia in mice.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 6, 2024·4 min read

Advanced Brain Mapping Unveils Behavioral Links

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to map brain activity, revealing how higher-order functions like thought and language emerge from complex interactions between multiple brain regions. Unlike traditional models focusing on paired brain connections, this new approach uses neuroimaging data to capture the intricate networks driving behavior.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 6, 2024·5 min read

Antipsychotics Worsen Behavior in Dementia

A study of 500,000 Canadian nursing home residents found antipsychotic medications significantly worsened behaviors in patients, with nearly 68% experiencing increased issues. Antipsychotics are often prescribed "off-label" for dementia-related symptoms, despite serious side effects like tremors and cognitive decline. Researchers advocate for person-centered care, emphasizing non-drug therapies like music, art, and exercise to address behavioral issues.