FeaturedNeuroscience·March 27, 2020Watch and learn: How the brain gains knowledge through observationThe brain chooses between two neural systems responsible for emulation learning and imitation learning. Study reveals how the brain chooses which strategy to employ when faced with an observational learning task. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·February 18, 2020Parkinson’s biomarker may originate in gutUsing mouse models, researchers seeded alpha-synuclein aggregates in gut neurons and discovered the clumps can travel to neurons in the brain. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 17, 2019Male and female mice have different brain cellsStudy identifies rare brain cell types that are unique to male mice, and others that are unique to females. The cells were discovered in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that governs both aggression and mating behaviors. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·August 24, 2019How memories form and fadeStable memories are encoded by teams of neurons firing in synchrony, providing redundancy that enables the memory to persist over time. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceNeuroscience VideosneurotechOpen Neuroscience ArticlesRobotics·July 25, 2019Microrobots show promise for treating tumorsNewly designed microbots can deliver vital drugs throughout the human body. The microbots can traverse the body and penetrate bodily mucus to efficiently deliver medications to target sites. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·June 24, 2019Settling the debate on serotonin’s role in sleepSerotonin produced by the raphe is critical for sleep in both mice and zebrafish. The firing of neurons in the raphe and the release of serotonin may help the brain build up better sleep pressure. The results may explain why some sleep-related side effects of antidepressants increase serotonin in the brain. Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 30, 2019Gut bacteria influence autism-like behaviors in miceUsing germ-free mouse models, researchers transplanted fecal bacteria from children on the autism spectrum and neurotypical children. Mice who received the transplants from the ASD cohort began to exhibit autism-like behaviors, whereas the mice who received transplants from typically developing children did not. Additionally, the mice showed altered gene expression in their brains and differences in types of metabolites present. In particular, the ASD mice had lower levels of 5AV and taurine. Findings suggest gut microbiota regulates autism-like behaviors via the production of neuroactive metabolites, providing further evidence for the gut-brain axis connection to the pathology of autism. Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 20, 2019Anxious people quicker to flee dangerThose with anxiety escape from non-imminent threats of danger sooner than those who are not anxious. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 2, 2019How the Brain Learns New SkillsNeurons in the anterior intraparietal cortex learn to modulate their activity to compensate for errors in brain-machine interface tasks. Findings suggest the extent to which a person can learn a new skill is constrained by preexisting neural networks. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceNeuroscience Videos·February 7, 2019This Is a Neuron on NicotineResearchers have developed a protein sensor which allows for the observation of nicotine's movement in cells. Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·January 25, 2019Autism and Theory of MindResearchers have developed a new test that examines theory of mind in those on the autism spectrum. The work may shed light on how those with ASD have difficulty in understanding the point of view of others, and social behavioral deficits. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceNeuroscience Videos·December 9, 2018Learning From Mistakes: Neurons Which Catch Our Mistakes and Correct Our Behavior IdentifiedResearchers identified specific neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex, called self monitoring error neurons, that fire immediately after people make a mistake. Read More
