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evolutionary neuroscience

·September 26, 2023·5 min read

Worms Illuminate Ancient Emotional Mechanisms

Researchers uncover that the humble roundworm may hold insights into basic emotional mechanisms. When subjected to electric shocks, these worms displayed behavior consistent with a primitive form of emotion, prioritizing danger over food.

Neuroscience

·September 19, 2023·7 min read

Tiny Sea Creatures Provide Evolution’s Clue to Neuron Origins

Researchers investigated the tiny marine animals called placozoans, revealing unexpected links to the evolution of neurons. These ancient creatures have specialized secretory cells that might have been precursors to neurons in advanced animals.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 14, 2023·3 min read

Genetic Origins of Learning and Memory Traced Back 650 Million Years

Researchers have uncovered genes essential for learning, memory, aggression, and other complex behaviors originated around 650 million years ago. The study utilized computational methods to trace the evolutionary history of these genes involved in the production, modulation, and reception of monoamines like serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 27, 2023·4 min read

Orangutans Simultaneously Produce Dual Sounds: A Clue to Human Speech Evolution

Orangutans are capable of simultaneously producing two different sounds, akin to human beatboxers or songbirds. Through observations of vocalising orangutan populations in Borneo and Sumatra, researchers discovered this shared vocal phenomenon.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 17, 2023·6 min read

Adversity, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Evolution: The Reproductive Trade-off Theory

A new study examines the association of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) with early life adversity and its potential influence on immediate reproductive strategies over somatic health. Using a sample of over 30,000 adults, the study finds that the risk of developing BPD was significantly influenced by a trade-off favoring immediate reproduction over long-term health.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 16, 2023·4 min read

Tracing the Evolutionary Roots of Cognitive Flexibility

A new study provides insights into the evolutionary origins of cognitive flexibility, an essential skill for adaptation and survival. Participants were studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while learning a sensorimotor task, the findings of which showed the importance of sensory brain regions in decision-making.

This shows a colorful outline of a dog's head.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 27, 2023·7 min read

Canine Brain Atlas Sheds Light on Evolution of Human Brain Function

A recent study using a novel canine brain atlas has led to significant insights about the evolution of the human brain. By investigating brain activity in dogs through fMRI, researchers revealed the critical role of the cingulate cortex and the lateral frontal lobes in problem-solving and task-switching. The research also highlighted how brain areas function in synchrony to form task-specific networks.

This shows a woman sitting on a couch with her dogs.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 12, 2023·7 min read

Urbanization Boosts Brain Size in Modern Dog Breeds

Modern dog breeds, which are genetically farther from wolves, have relatively larger brain sizes compared to ancient breeds. The increase in brain size is not related to the specific roles or life history characteristics of the breeds, indicating that it's likely influenced by domestication and a more complex social environment.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 26, 2023·4 min read

The Influence of Evolution on Brain Shape

The shape of the brain has developed in parallel with its function throughout the course of evolution. The study examined 3D surface models of the brains of 90 species of Euarchontoglires, allowing researchers to analyze the diversity of brain forms and their relationship to function, behavior and ecology.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 24, 2023·5 min read

The Power of Bullying: Aggressive Behavior Boosts Chimpanzees’ Social Status and Reproductive Success

A new study finds that chimpanzees with more aggressive personalities and less conscientiousness are more successful at climbing the social ladder and siring offspring than their more passive counterparts. However, the researchers also find it puzzling that not every chimpanzee has the same personality traits, suggesting that there may be other factors at play that determine the diversity of personalities in chimpanzees.

This shows elephant seals asleep on a beach

Featured Neuroscience

·April 20, 2023·7 min read

Elephant Seals’ Brainwaves Reveal Surprising Sleeping Habits: Short Naps Taken During Deep Dives

New research shows that while elephant seals may look like they're lounging around for most of their lives, they actually get only an average of 2 hours of sleep per day when they're at sea, taking short 10-minute naps while on deep dives that last up to 30 minutes. These naps often see them spiraling downward while fast asleep, or even lying motionless on the seafloor.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 14, 2023·6 min read

Going Ape! Dizzy Apes Provide Clues on Human Need for Mind Altering Experiences

According to researchers, great apes spin themselves in order to make themselves dizzy. The dizzying behavior could shed new light on humans' drive to seek altered states of mind, and actively manipulate their mood and perception of reality.

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evolutionary neuroscience

Worms Illuminate Ancient Emotional Mechanisms

Tiny Sea Creatures Provide Evolution’s Clue to Neuron Origins

Genetic Origins of Learning and Memory Traced Back 650 Million Years

Orangutans Simultaneously Produce Dual Sounds: A Clue to Human Speech Evolution

Adversity, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Evolution: The Reproductive Trade-off Theory

Tracing the Evolutionary Roots of Cognitive Flexibility

Canine Brain Atlas Sheds Light on Evolution of Human Brain Function

Urbanization Boosts Brain Size in Modern Dog Breeds

The Influence of Evolution on Brain Shape

Elephant Seals’ Brainwaves Reveal Surprising Sleeping Habits: Short Naps Taken During Deep Dives

Going Ape! Dizzy Apes Provide Clues on Human Need for Mind Altering Experiences

Circadian Rhythm Off Beat: Parkinson’s and Nighttime Neuron Damage

ChatGPT’s Role in Shaping Identity and Personal Narratives

New Brain Structures in Language Processing Identified

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