FeaturedNeuroscience·October 26, 2021·4 min readRelease of Dopamine in Infant Brains May Help Control Early Social DevelopmentIncreased levels of dopamine release in the basolateral amygdala as a result of stressful situations during infancy could lead to lasting behavioral issues and social difficulties, a new study reports.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·July 14, 2020·4 min readAutism Researchers Map Brain Circuitry of Social PreferenceStudy reveals how two neural circuits dictate the choice between social approach and avoidance. The network connecting the infralimbic cortex to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) impairs social behavior if there is a decrease in neural activity. Another network connecting the prelimbic cortex to the BLA similarly impairs social behavior if the neural activity is increased.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·January 8, 2019·4 min readCannabis Exposure and Stress in Adolescence Can Lead to Anxiety Disorders in AdultsA new study reports exposure to cannabis and stress during the teenage years may result in an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders later in life.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 4, 2018·6 min readPyramid Shaped Neurons Provide Algorithm for Us to Recognize and Categorize FoodResearchers report pyramidal neurons in the basolateral amygdala help us to recognize and categorize foods.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 14, 2018·5 min readPossible New Pathway to Treat AnxietyResearchers have identified a new neural pathway that may provide a good target for a drug to reduce anxiety symptoms.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 13, 2018·4 min readHigh Saturated Fat Diet Linked to Poor Stress Coping Skills in AdolescentsResearchers report high fat diets in teens is associated with poor stress coping skills later in life.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 10, 2018·4 min readBrain Circuits Behind Putting Up a Fight or Freezing in Place IdentifiedResearchers have identified two brain pathways that appear to be critical in determining how mice react to visual threats. The findings could have implications for treating PTSD and phobias in humans.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 3, 2018·5 min readBrain Circuit Helps Us Learn By Watching OthersA new study reveals the role the anterior cingulate cortex and basolateral amygdala play in observational learning.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·August 22, 2017·4 min readActivating Brain Region Creates Intense Desire to Use CocaineUsing optogenetics to stimulate the amygdala, researchers intensify the desire to consume cocaine in rats.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·August 15, 2017·4 min readAdult Brains Produce New Cells in Previously Undiscovered AreaUniversity of Queensland researchers report they have discovered evidence of neurogenesis in the amygdala. Researchers say their findings could help develop new avenues of treatment for fear processing disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 7, 2017·4 min readChanges in Brain Regions May Explain Why Some Prefer Certainty and OrderChanges in the orbitofrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala may help explain a person's preference for uncertain outcomes, as well as a preference for order and certainty, a new study reports.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·April 24, 2017·5 min readBrain Circuit Enables Split Second Decision When Cues ConflictA new study reveals the brain circuit that governs how we respond to conflicting environmental cues.Read More