A new study reveals the role the claustrum plays in cocaine addiction. Inhibiting claustral neurons prevented behavioral responses to cocaine in mouse models of addiction.
Study identifies a different set of individual neurons in the medial frontal cortex that is responsible for memory-based decision making. The findings have implications for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and other disorders associated with problems in cognitive flexibility.
Mouse study reveals slow-wave brain activity, which is indicative of sleep and resting states, is controlled by the claustrum. The synchronization of active and silent states across the brain via the slow waves contributes to consciousness.
Heart insufficiency has a negative impact on gray matter in the brain. Weak heart function was linked to decreased gray matter in areas of the brain associated with memory and learning, including the hippocampus and parietal medial cortex. This may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Lower levels of the circular RNA in the frontal cortex appears to be correlated with earlier onset of schizophrenia symptoms.
Blood can bring more oxygen into the brains of mice following exercise as increased respiration increases oxygen levels in hemoglobin.
Study discussed the benefits of using psychedelics as an antidepressant option for those with depression.
Prosopagnosia, or "face-blindness", involves an entire network, not just one area of the brain. The findings may shed light on poor facial processing abilities associated with autism.
The left and right brain areas are more similar in those with ASD. Reduced asymmetry was identified in cortical thickness across various brain regions in those on the autism spectrum.
Harsh noises, such as alarm bells and sirens, hold the brain's attention by stimulating its aversion networks.
Nineteen gene sets have been identified that contribute to at least five psychiatric disorders. The gene sets were associated with ADHD, ASD, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia.
Brain activity patterns in the frontal cortex encode beliefs and affect how we perceive the world around us.
