Study reveals how reward enhances connectivity between the ventral striatum and the default mode network, impacting behavior.
When we imagine the outcome of future events, two sub-networks of the brain become active. One of the sub-networks focuses on creating the new event in our imagination, the other evaluates whether the event is positive or negative.
The default mode network is divided into separate sub-systems for constructing and evaluating imagined scenarios.
As with other psychedelics, salvinorin A increased activity across the brain. However, salvinorin A use resulted in more random and disconnected signaling in the default mode network, a brain network associated with relaxing and daydreaming.
Researchers have uncovered the neural mechanism underlying rumination. The study reports when rumination occurs, coupling between the core and medial temporal lobe subsystems of the default mode network becomes elevated, while coupling between the core and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex decreases.
People with schizotypal traits exhibited increased structural connectivity probability within the task control network and default mode network. They also had increased variability and decreased stability of functional connectivity within the DMN and between the auditory and subcortical networks.
The brain quickly transitions from one network to another in regular patterns. The transition trajectories constitute a temporal circuit where the conscious brain cycles through a structured pattern of states over time.
Yoga has a positive effect on the structure and function of key brain areas associated with memory. Findings provide evidence that yoga may hold promise in mitigating age-related and neurodegenerative decline.
Habitual tea drinking was associated with greater functional connectivity in the default mode network. Findings suggest tea drinking has a positive contribution to brain structure and a protective effect on age-related decline in brain organization.
Neuroimaging can be used to assess a person's risk of suicidal behavior. Those with mood disorders, a history of suicidal thoughts, and those with a history of suicide attempts have less connectivity in the cognitive control network. They also have reduced connectivity between the cognitive control network and the default mode network.
Cannabidiol may buffer the effects of THC on the brain for those who use marijuana. Marijuana with a higher CBD content restores disruptions to the salience network caused by THC exposure.
A new MRI study reveals those who get to sleep and wake up late have lower resting brain connectivity in regions associated with the maintenance of consciousness. Researchers report the reduced brain connectivity is linked to poorer attention, slower reactions and increased daytime sleepiness.
