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dorsomedial prefrontal cortex

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·July 14, 2017·3 min read

A Neural Switch for Becoming Alpha Male

A new report in Science identifies a neural circuit in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex of mouse brains that may play a key role in social dominance. Using optogenetics, researchers were able to target neurons in the dmPFC to help boost a mouse's chance of 'winning' in an aggressive encounter.

The anti smoking poster shows a drawing of a fish about to get hooked with a cigarette in its mouth.

Featured Psychology

·April 24, 2013·3 min read

Anti-Smoking Ads with Strong Arguments, Not Flashy Editing, Trigger Part of Brain That Changes Behavior

Researchers discovered a part of the brain involved in future behavioral changes, the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, had greater activation when smokers were exposed to anti-smoking messages with stronger arguments as opposed to weaker arguments.

This shows a fading woman sitting in a forest

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·November 12, 2021·4 min read

Anxiety Cues Found in the Brain Despite Safe Environment

Virtual reality is helping researchers uncover some of the secrets of anxiety. Using VR, study participants were able to distinguish between safe and dangerous environments in a game. However, brain scans of those with anxiety showed increased activity in the insula and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex while in a safe zone, indicating their brains were associating the safe environment with threat or danger.

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·December 18, 2019·4 min read

Booze on the brain

Dysfunction in a brain pathway that usually keeps compulsive drinking in check may play a critical role in alcohol use disorder.

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·July 1, 2019·3 min read

Brain network evaluates robot likeability

Neuroimaging reveals brain area activity in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex helps people determine the likability of robots and suitability for social partnership.

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·February 12, 2018·3 min read

Brain Scans Show Why People Get Aggressive After a Drink or Two

According to a new study, the display of aggression following the consumption of alcohol is linked to a dip in activity in the prefrontal cortex.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 20, 2018·4 min read

Having an Audience May Help You Perform Better

According to researchers, when people are aware they are being observed, brain areas associated with social awareness and reward activate a part of the brain that affects motor control, helping them to perform better at skilled tasks.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 14, 2018·3 min read

How the Brain Biases Beliefs

Researchers report the interaction between two regions of the prefrontal cortex may underlie our motivation to cling to a desirable notion about the future.

This brain scan image shows activation in the bilateral TPJ and DMPFC.

Featured Psychology

·July 5, 2013·6 min read

How the Brain Creates the ‘Buzz’ that Helps Ideas Spread

Researchers identify brain regions associated with the successful spread of ideas, often called "buzz". Messages which will go viral on social media can be predicted, according to the study.