BNST

·May 18, 2020

How experiencing traumatic stress leads to aggression

Strengthened amygdala pathways increase aggression in those who have experienced trauma. The findings could lead to new treatments for PTSD. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·April 17, 2020

A key brain region for controlling binge drinking has been found

Turning off kappa opioid receptors in the brain decreases the urge the binge drink. Findings suggest the kappa opioid receptor system is important not only for the negative state of withdrawal but also for driving binge drinking behaviors. Read More

Electrophysiology Featured Neurology Neuroscience pain Psychology

·September 26, 2019

Molecular link between chronic pain and depression revealed

Inhibitory inputs to the neural circuit between the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dlBNST) to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) increase when a person is in chronic pain. This alteration is mediated by enhanced corticotropin-releasing factor signaling within the dlBNST, leading to suppression of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. The result is depressive mood and anhedonia associated with chronic pain. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 25, 2019

These neurons affect how much you do, or don’t, want to eat

Neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) appear to regulate food intake. The neurons appear to form part of a network that controls appetite loss in mice. Read More

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·February 22, 2019

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. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 25, 2019

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. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·August 26, 2018

Key Brain Circuits for Reward Seeking and Avoidance Behavior Identified

Researchers have identified two subpopulations of neurons in the BNST that connect to separate populations of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus which appear to drive two opposing emotional states; avoidance and reward seeking Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·May 29, 2018

How a Brain Circuit Generates Anxiety

Researchers have identified a specific circuit in the brain's central amygdala that raises anxiety levels. The study could pave the way for the development of new treatments for anxiety disorders. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 20, 2017

Oxytocin Turns Up the Volume of Your Social Environment

According to researchers, blocking the activity of oxytocin restored normal social behavior in stressed mice. Read More

Image shows a cartoon of a woman sleeping.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 3, 2017

The Secret Connection Between Anxiety and Sleep

Researchers have identified neurons that appear to play a critical role in connecting sleep and emotions. The findings provide an important insight into the pathophysiology of insomnia and the role of orexin in arousal regulation. Researchers hope their findings will lead to new remedies for sleep disorders. Read More