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dorsomedial prefrontal cortex

·May 9, 2018·4 min read

People with OCD Process Emotions Differently Than Their Unaffected Siblings

When viewing OCD related images, those with the disorder had increased distress and higher levels of activity in emotion related brain regions than their siblings who did not suffer from OCD, researchers report.

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·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.

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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.

Image shows the brain structural changes at age 13.

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·September 13, 2017·4 min read

Teens’ Ability to Consider the Intentions of Others Linked to Structural Changes in the Brain

A new Scientific Reports study links structural changes in the teenage brain to behavioral changes when it comes to understanding the intention of others.

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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.

Image shows brain scans and a shot from a movie.

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·April 28, 2017·3 min read

Multitasking Overloads the Brain

Changing tasks too frequently interferes with brain activity, a new study reports.

Image shows the location of the prefrontal cortex in the brain.

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·January 4, 2017·4 min read

Witnessing Fear in Others Can Physically Change the Brain

A new study reports traumatic experiences can alter the brain, leaving people more vulnerable to psychological problems.

Image shows an MRI brain scan with the amygdala highlighted.

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·September 25, 2015·4 min read

Why Men and Women Experience Negative Emotions Differently

A new study reports high testosterone levels is linked to lower sensitivity when faced with negative emotions.

This image shows a woman's face. She is resting her head on her hand and gazing to her side.

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·May 28, 2015·6 min read

Rest Prepares the Brain for Social Interaction

A new study reports that even during periods of rest, our brain is preparing us to socially connect with others.

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

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·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.

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

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·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.