Latest

brainstem

This shows a head, a brain, neurons, and sound waves.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·January 10, 2025·5 min read

New Neuron Types Discovered in Brainstem’s Sound Processing Center

Researchers have identified and mapped diverse cell types in the cochlear nucleus, the brainstem region responsible for processing sound. Using advanced molecular techniques, they uncovered distinct and newly identified cell types that process specific sound features, such as sharp noises or pitch changes.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·May 2, 2024·6 min read

Brainstem Plays Vital Role in Visual Attention

Researchers highlights the locus coeruleus (LC), a small brainstem region, as critical in enhancing visual sensory processing through its production of norepinephrine. In the study scientists used optogenetics to activate these specific neurons in non-human primates, significantly improving their performance in a visual attention task.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 27, 2022·3 min read

A Brain Circuit Underpinning Locomotor Speed Control

A neural circuit that decodes the start, duration and sudden change of speed of locomotion has been identified.

This shows a drawing of a brain over a hand

Featured Neuroscience

·September 3, 2022·8 min read

How the Brain Processes Sensory Information From Internal Organs

A new mouse study provides clues as to how the brain processes sensory information from internal organs, revealing feedback from organs activates different clusters of neurons in the brain stem.

This shows the outline of a fork and spoon

Featured Neuroscience

·August 27, 2022·4 min read

Mapping Brain Stem’s Control of Eating Could Lead to Better Treatments for Obesity

Researchers investigate neural pathways that meet in the brainstem which help control feeding behaviors.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 16, 2022·4 min read

How the Brain Gathers Threat Cues and Turns Them Into Fear

CGRP neurons found in subregions of the thalamus and brainstem relay multisensory threat information to the amygdala. These neural circuits are essential for the formation of aversive memories, a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Pain

·June 6, 2022·3 min read

Activating an Amygdala-Brainstem Pathway Relieves Pain and Improves Emotional State in Rats

Researchers report activating a pathway between the amygdala and brain stem helps to relieve pain and reduce defensive behaviors in rat models.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 7, 2022·4 min read

Brainstem Atrophy Is Linked to Extrapyramidal Symptoms in Frontotemporal Dementia

Patients who suffer from frontotemporal dementia with extrapyramidal symptoms have brainstem atrophy and reduced metabolic activity in specific brain regions compared to those with FTD without extrapyramidal symptoms.

This shows two heads surrounded by question marks

Featured Neuroscience

·January 7, 2022·4 min read

Novel Brainstem Circuit Gives Rise to the Rhythms of Vocalization

A small cluster of neurons in the brainstem regulates tempo and coordinates vocalization with breathing.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 29, 2020·3 min read

Brainstem Neurons Control Both Behavior and Misbehavior

Study reveals how gene control mechanisms determine the identity of neurons in the embryonic brainstem. A failure in differentiation in developing brainstem neurons can lead to behavioral abnormalities, including ADHD.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 6, 2020·6 min read

Evidence of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s & MND in Brains of Young People Exposed to Dirty Air

An examination of brainstems from children and young adults constantly exposed to air pollution reveals markers of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and motor neuron disease. Findings suggest air pollution poses risks of serious neurological damage from an early age.