Parkinson's disease can be divided into two variants that start in different places in the body. For some, the neurodegenerative disease starts in the intestines and spreads to the brain. In others, the disease begins in the brain and spreads to the intestines and other organs. Read More
A newly developed wider spectrum for the dLight1 sensor allows for multiplex imaging of neurotransmitters. The new sensor will help researchers detect and monitor different information processing activities in the brain. Read More
Coronavirus can cause several significant neurological disorders, and the pandemic has been linked to a rise in people reporting mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Researchers examine how COVID-19 affects brain and mental health and provides some techniques which can help to improve well-being during the pandemic. Read More
Prenatal diet could increase the risk of unhealthy eating and obesity in the offspring, a new study reports. Pregnant mice fed high omega-6 and low omega-3 diets were more likely to have offspring that were more inclined to consume hyper-caloric foods, increasing their risk of obesity. Read More
From inspiring creativity to promoting overall brain health, researchers say it's important to embrace boredom from time to time. Read More
A new study reveals the role the claustrum plays in cocaine addiction. Inhibiting claustral neurons prevented behavioral responses to cocaine in mouse models of addiction. Read More
A new study reveals the role microglia plays in alcohol addiction, finding the immune cells alter the geometry of gray matter while under the influence of alcohol. Read More
Cleaning and organizing can have a positive effect on our psychological wellbeing. Dr. Stacey Bedwell explores how cleaning and organizational projects around the home can help boost satisfaction, pleasure, and feelings of personal control. Read More
The activity of a network of dopamine neurons reflects both the innate preferences for smell and taste, as well as the physiological state of fruit flies. Read More
Rotigotine, a drug that acts on dopamine transmission, improves cognitive function in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. While the drug did not help improve memory, it did improve executive function in the frontal lobe and positively impacted the ability of patients to perform activities of daily living. Read More
Dopamine neurons in the brain regulate internal processes of economic decision making, evaluating available options, and identifying the most preferable outcome. Read More
Estrogen level fluctuations appear to play a role in alcohol use disorder in women. Reducing the number of estrogen receptors in the ventral tegmental area decreased binge drinking behaviors in female mouse models. Read More