Researchers have identified a brain circuit that drives physical response to emotional stress. The circuit begins in the dorsal peduncular cortex and dorsal tenia tecta, before sending signals to the hypothalamus. The findings could help with the development of treatments for panic disorders and PTSD.
Lamprey brain study provides new insights into how the human brain evolved.
A new study sheds light on how the brain changes as a result of chronic stress. Selective noradrenaline release rewires connectivity patterns between different brain regions. Activity in the amygdala and networks that process sensory stimuli increased.
Using stem cells from candidates with Down syndrome to create an organoid, and employing mouse models, researchers pinpoint a gene linked to memory impairments and cognitive problems in Down syndrome. Inhibiting the OLIG2 gene leads to cognitive and memory improvements in mouse models of Down. Researchers hope their findings lead to an in utero treatment that targets the gene and helps reverse abnormal brain development.
A new phenotype atlas assisted researchers in identifying 30 genes associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed an essential role for the transcription factor znf536 in the development of forebrain neurons associated with social behavior and stress.
Researchers report estrogen may play a significant role in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. The study reports mice whose neurons did not produce estrogen have impairments in spatial reference memories, recognition and contextual fear memories. Restoring estrogen levels assisted in reversing the memory impairments, the study revealed.
A new study of pigeons reveals hemispheric dominance in the brain is caused by slight differences in temporal activity patterns.
A new study reports the serotonin system is made up of multiple parallel pathways that affect the brain in different, and sometimes opposing, ways.
Researchers have identified neurons vital for socialized behavior in zebrasifh. The study reports, when the neurons are disabled, their orientation to one another breaks down in a similar way to socialization problems in humans with ASD.
A new study reports on a link between exposure to a flame retardant mixture used in foam based furniture and the disruption of normal placenta function in rats. The placental disruption alters the production of serotonin in offspring, researchers report.
A new study sheds light on how the brain grows during early stages of embryonic development.
Electrically stimulating the nucleus basalis of Meynert elevated acetylcholine levels and helped improve working memory, a new study reports.