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CRF

·June 5, 2020·5 min read

Chemical messenger in brain could point to better treatments for anxiety

Corticotropin-releasing factor and neuropeptide Y work in synchronized opposition to each other to remodel and rewire neurons in the amygdala as a response to stress. The process, researchers say, can be manually reversed to help relieve anxiety. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 14, 2020·5 min read

How chronic stress changes the brain, and what you can do to reverse the damage

Chronic stress can affect a person's health and mental well being. Due to the COVID-19 virus, chronic stress is on the rise worldwide. Researchers examine the general and psychological health implications of chronic stress and suggest some methods we can adopt to keep our stress levels in check. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 2, 2020·2 min read

Coping strategies, a matter of neuron

Researchers uncover a key role of medial prefrontal cortex corticotropin-releasing factor interneurons for bidirectionally controlling motivated behavioral styles under stress. The findings could help in the development of new treatments for PTSD. Read More

Electrophysiology Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain Psychology

·September 26, 2019·4 min read

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

·March 18, 2019·5 min read

Scientists hunt down the brain circuit responsible for alcohol cravings

Optogenetic inactivation of CRF neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala decreases escalation of alcohol consumption and intensity of withdrawal in rodent models of alcoholism. The findings suggest a potential target for treating excessive drinking in alcohol use disorder. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 18, 2019·3 min read

Modulating Stress Circuits

A new study reveals a unique population of corticotropin releasing factor neurons in female mice that may mediate differences in stress response. Read More

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 13, 2019·3 min read

Exercise Gives Older Men a Better Brain Boost

According to a new study, men have a stronger positive correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and brain function as they age. Read More

Image shows the location of the amygdala in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 12, 2017·4 min read

Surprising Brain Change Appears to Drive Alcohol Dependence

According to a new study, alcohol increases neural activity in the central amygdala. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·January 13, 2017·5 min read

Older, Fitter Adults Experience Greater Brain Activity While Learning

Older adults with high cardiorespiratory fitness scored performed better on memory tests than those with lower scores, a new study reports. Read More

Featured Most Popular Psychology

·June 1, 2016·4 min read

Hormone Causes Decline in Cognition After Social Stress

Researchers explore how stress can influence our cognitive performance. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·April 27, 2016·4 min read

Brain Circuit That Controls Binge Drinking Identified

Researchers have identified a neural circuit between two brain areas that appears to control binge drinking. Read More

Photo of a brain with alzheimer's disease.

Featured Neurology

·November 16, 2015·5 min read

Preventing Alzheimer’s Diseases by Modulating Stress Circuitry

Using a small molecule drug that reduces activity of the brain's stress circuitry significantly reduces Alzheimer's neuropathology and prevents the onsite of cognitive impairment in mouse models of the disease, a new study reports. Read More

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