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cocaine

This shows a person running and a brain.

·September 21, 2025·5 min read

High-Intensity Exercise May Protect Against Cocaine Addiction

A new study shows that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is more effective than moderate exercise at protecting adolescent lab animals from cocaine use. Animals exposed to HIIT developed a preference for non-drug environments and an aversion to cocaine, linked to increases in ΔFosB, a molecular switch involved in addiction.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 25, 2021·5 min read

Cocaine’s Effect on the Brain

Study reveals a specific cell cluster in the brains of drosophila flies that are affected by acute cocaine exposure. The findings could help with the development of treatments to prevent addiction in humans.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 2, 2020·2 min read

Sleep-Deprived Mice Find Cocaine More Rewarding

Mouse study reveals sleep deprivation can increase the risk of cocaine addiction. Too little sleep increases the reward properties of cocaine, researchers report.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 20, 2020·7 min read

Early exposure to cannabis boosts young brains’ sensitivity to cocaine

Cannabis use during youth enhances sensitivity to cocaine from the first exposure, a new rat study finds.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 2, 2019·3 min read

Chronic cocaine use modifies gene expression

Chronic cocaine use alters the epigenetic profile of the FosB gene in the hippocampus. These alterations are required for cocaine-dependent gene expression and cocaine environment associations. Modification of hippocampal FosB results in a condition critical for cocaine-related learning.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 1, 2019·3 min read

Traces of Ketamine, Cocaine, Pharmaceuticals and Pesticides Found in Freshwater Shrimp

Researchers have found a diverse array of illicit drugs, including cocaine and ketamine, along with pesticides and pharmaceutical chemicals in British freshwater shrimp. While the concentrations of chemicals were considered low, researchers state there is a concern for the potential environmental risk this may pose to wildlife.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·January 22, 2019·4 min read

Erasing Memories Associated with Cocaine Use Reduces Drug Seeking Behavior

Disrupting memories associated with environmental cues significantly reduces cocaine seeking behaviors in rat models of addiction, a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 8, 2019·3 min read

Neural Fingerprints ID Those Likely to Abstain from Cocaine

Using deep learning technology in combination with neuroimaging data, researchers were able to accurately predict who would abstain from cocaine during treatment for addiction.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 31, 2018·6 min read

Tips For A New Year Tuneup For Your Brain

Researchers provide strategies for enhancing brain health and lowering stress in the new year.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 31, 2018·4 min read

Cocaine Use Alters Gene Expression in Brain’s Reward Circuit

A new study reveals how cocaine use alters gene expression and provides new insight into the molecular basis of cocaine addiction.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 30, 2018·5 min read

Opioid Use Prevalent Among Electronic Dance Music Partygoers

Researchers report 10 percent of people who have attended EDM events have misused opioids in the past 12 months. The number, researchers say, exceeds national averages. Oxycontin was reported to be the most widely misused drug within the scene.