FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·February 12, 2020·4 min readStudy links human gene variant to THC reward in adolescent femalesA variant of the FAAH gene increases vulnerability to THC in females and has a larger-scale impact on brain regions responsible for reward processing.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 12, 2020·4 min readBody’s own marijuana helps us forget traumatic memoriesAnandamide, an endogenous compound produced in the body, plays a role in reversing memories of traumatic events. The findings could lead to new treatments for PTSD.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·December 11, 2020·4 min readGut Microbiota Plays a Role in Brain Function and Mood RegulationAn imbalance in gut bacteria can cause the reduction of some metabolites, resulting in depression-like symptoms. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence for the role the microbiome plays in brain function and mental health.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·December 17, 2020·2 min readNew Mechanism to Balance Emotional BehaviorGABA accelerates the breakdown of endocannabinoids in the brain. Endocannabinoids are critical for emotional processing. The findings could lead to the development of new treatments for emotional behavioral disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·August 4, 2021·6 min readMarijuana-Like Brain Substance Calms Seizures but Increases After-EffectsThe release of 2-AG, a natural endocannabinoid that is suggested to be the brain's equivalent to THC, dampens down seizure activity but increases post-seizure oxygen deprivation in the brain.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 4, 2021·5 min readHow Endocannabinoids Keep the Brain in BalanceEndocannabinoids actively balance neural connections, allowing cells to either activate or inhibit each other. The findings shed light on the role endocannabinoids play in learning and some psychiatric disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 17, 2021·3 min readExercise Increases the Body’s Own ‘Cannabis’ Which Reduces Chronic InflammationFor people with arthritis, exercise reduces pain and lowers levels of inflammatory cytokines. Exercise also increases the production of natural endocannabinoids. Researchers found the way exercise promotes these changes was due to altered gut microbes.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 14, 2022·4 min readGut Microbes Can Boost the Motivation to ExerciseResearchers have identified two gut bacterial species that produce fatty acid amides, stimulating CB1 endocannabinoid receptors in the gut which causes an increase in dopamine in the ventral striatum during exercise.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 19, 2023·4 min readHeavy Drinking in Young Adults Tied to Endocannabinoid PathwayBrain levels of FAAH, an enzyme that degrades a neurotransmitter that activates the cannabinoid 1 receptor, may contribute to the maintenance of excessive drinking and susceptibility to alcohol use disorder.Read More
