FeaturedNeuroscience·December 30, 2024·6 min readEstrogen Drives Binge Drinking Behavior in FemalesThe hormone estrogen increases binge drinking in females by enhancing activity in neurons within the brain's BNST region. The effect is particularly strong during high-estrogen phases, leading to "front-loading," or rapid alcohol consumption within the first 30 minutes of availability.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·October 3, 2024·4 min readEstrogen’s Quick Impact on Neurons via Clic1Researchers have discovered that estrogen's fast action on neurons is mediated by the estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) coupling with the chloride ion channel Clic1. This interaction allows estrogen to regulate nerve impulses within milliseconds, influencing processes like mood, cognition, and body weight.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 2, 2024·2 min readSynthetic Estrogen in Birth Control Linked to AnxietyResearchers suggest that the type of estrogen in hormonal birth control influences anxiety-like behaviors. Researchers found that synthetic estrogen in birth control led to increased anxiety behaviors in female rats compared to natural estrogen.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 23, 2023·5 min readStress Neurons Mapped the Brain, Exposing Estrogen LinkResearchers pinpointed a specific group of nerve cells in the mouse brain that play a role in negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which were mapped using a variety of advanced techniques, were found to possess estrogen receptors.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 13, 2022·6 min readSubcutaneous Fat Emerges as a Protector of Females’ BrainsSubcutaneous fat has a neuroprotective effect against brain inflammation, but the effect may diminish following menopause.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·December 10, 2022·4 min readEstrogen May Offer Protection Against DeliriumWhen treated with estrogen, mouse models showed marked reductions in inflammatory markers and a decrease in delirium-like behaviors.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 17, 2022·4 min readNicotine Dose in a Single Cigarette Blocks Estrogen Production in Women’s BrainsThe dose of nicotine from a single cigarette blocks estrogen production in the brain, causing behavioral changes. Findings may shed new light on why quitting smoking may be more difficult for women than men.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 31, 2022·4 min readGenetic Sex Determines the Way Your Muscle “Talks” to Other Tissues in Your BodySex-specific circuits in muscles signal to other tissues and organs, processing muscle impact differently in males and females.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 10, 2022·3 min readStress May Be Associated With Fertility Issues in WomenResearchers say stress may directly impact female fertility and ovarian reserve. Exposing female rats to scream sounds, researchers noted a decrease in estrogen and Anti-Mullerian hormone levels. Stress also reduced the number and quality of eggs, resulting in smaller litters. The findings shed light on the role stress may play on female reproduction.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 5, 2022·3 min readResearchers Discover How Hormones Define Brain Sex DifferencesEstrogen sets up physical differences in the brains of males and females during development, a new study reports.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 4, 2021·4 min readExposure to Estrogen Linked to Less Brain Shrinkage in Midlife WomenLonger and higher exposure to estrogen were associated with larger gray matter volume in middle-aged women.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·October 14, 2021·6 min readScientists Map Brain Circuit That Drives Activity in Fertile FemalesMouse study identifies specific neurons and a signaling pathway to regions of the hindbrain that mediate sexual reproductive activity and physical activity that appear to influence activity behaviors during ovulation. The findings may provide valuable insights into how estrogen loss during menopause disrupts this activity.Read More
