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.
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.
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.
Dysfunction in a brain pathway that usually keeps compulsive drinking in check may play a critical role in alcohol use disorder.
Neuroimaging reveals brain area activity in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex helps people determine the likability of robots and suitability for social partnership.
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.
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.
Researchers report the interaction between two regions of the prefrontal cortex may underlie our motivation to cling to a desirable notion about the future.
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.
When making complex decisions, the brain performs two computations using distributed network areas in the frontal cortex.
The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in mapping out personal actions and outcomes as well as responding to the actions of others.
Changing tasks too frequently interferes with brain activity, a new study reports.