The loss of a specific type of neuron in the dorsal striatum has been found to cause Tourette like tics in mice, a new study reports.
Researchers report those addicted to cocaine may have difficulty controlling their addiction because of a 'back door' into the brain that circumvents their self control.
Findings could help explain why some addicts unintentionally relapse, researchers say.
A new study published in Neuron challenges the idea that astrocytes across the brain are largely identical. Researchers found astrocytes in the hippocampus and striatum have differences that affect how they function and interact with neurons. Striatal astrocytes also have different genes turned on that hippocampal astrocytes, the study reports.
MIT researchers have identified neurons that fire at the start and conclusion of a behavior as it becomes a habit.
