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Fujita Health University

·June 17, 2025·5 min read

Low Sodium Linked to Anxiety Through Brain Chemistry Disruption

Chronic hyponatremia—long viewed as symptomless—is now shown to disrupt brain chemistry and cause anxiety-like behaviors, according to a new study in mice. Researchers found that prolonged low sodium levels reduced serotonin and dopamine in the amygdala, a brain region vital for emotional regulation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 10, 2024·5 min read

Smiles Are Contagious: Shared Expression Fosters Connection

Smiles during face-to-face conversations strongly impact connection, with the intensity of one person's smile often influencing the other. Researchers found that speakers smiled more when listeners smiled, especially in same-sex interactions, indicating that mutual smiles foster warmth and comfort.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 27, 2024·5 min read

Metabolic Disruptions in Parkinson’s Uncover New Treatment Potential

A new study has revealed critical metabolic impairments in Parkinson’s disease (PD), focusing on purine metabolism and ATP recycling. Researchers found that patients with PD have significantly lower levels of uric acid and other purine metabolites in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid, affecting energy production in the brain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 24, 2024·5 min read

Parkinson’s Drug Linked to Impaired Decision-Making

Pramipexole, a Parkinson’s disease (PD) drug, impairs decision-making by hyperactivating the brain’s external globus pallidus (GPe) region. This research uncovers how the medication, while effective for PD symptoms, can lead to risky behaviors like gambling.

Autism Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 26, 2024·6 min read

Altered Brain pH Linked to Cognitive Disorders

A global study involving 131 researchers from 105 labs across seven countries has found altered brain pH and lactate levels across various animal models of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. This large-scale research reveals a common endophenotype involving energy metabolism dysfunction as a hallmark in disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and Alzheimer’s.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 2, 2023·6 min read

Orofacial Movements Reveal Animal Emotions

Researchers shed light on the mechanisms behind uninstructed orofacial movements in mice, providing fascinating insights into animal emotions. The team discovered that the stimulation of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) triggers orofacial movements.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 27, 2022·5 min read

Molecular Mechanisms Behind Learning and Memory Identified

Findings reveal the molecular mechanism for acetylcholine in learning and memory.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 12, 2021·3 min read

Protein Lactylation Is Induced in the Brain by Neural Activation and Social Stress

In mice, protein lactylation occurs in neurons and is correlated with lactate levels. Protein lactylation is enhanced by neural excitation and social stress. Researchers found social stress specifically enhances lysine lactylation of histone H1 proteins.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·February 7, 2020·4 min read

New biochemical ‘warning sign’ of early-stage depression identified

High levels of anthranilic acid in the blood may be a new biomarker for assessing the risk of developing major depressive disorder.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 7, 2017·5 min read

Brain Acidity Imbalance in Psychiatric Disorders

Researchers discover imbalanced pH and lactate levels in the brains of mouse models of schizophrenia, ASD and bipolar disorder. They believe the imbalances could reflect an underlying pathophysiology to some psychiatric disorders.