FeaturedNeuroscience·April 24, 2019·5 min readThe neurobiology of noshing: Why is it so easy to overeat calorie-rich tasty foods?Prepronociceptin expressing neurons in the central amygdala become activated by consuming palatable foods. Reducing nociceptin making neurons in mice reduced binge eating when the animals had access to calorie-rich foods, without affecting the intake of ordinary dietary needs. The finding could help in the development of new therapies to combat obesity and binge eating.Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·April 6, 2019·4 min readNew hope for treating childhood brain cancerDIPG cancer cells exposed to MI-2 fail to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and die quickly, by inhibiting lanosterol synthase. Additionally, while MI-2 destroys glioma cancer cells, the drug does not damage healthy brain cells.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·March 30, 2019·5 min readHad Enough Water? Brain’s Thirst Centers Make a Gut CheckHydration signals from the gut travel via the vagus nerve to activate thirst neurons in the SFO. These neurons signal to cells in the median preoptic nucleus, driving animals to drink and the kidneys to conserve water in the bloodstream.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·January 15, 2019·3 min readHow Fasting Can Improve Overall HealthResearchers report fasting affects the circadian rhythm of the liver and skeletal muscles, allowing them to rewire their metabolism. The study suggests fasting can help improve health and protect against aging related diseases.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·October 29, 2018·4 min readMaking Mice Lose Weight by Imitating Effects From Cold and NicotineBy stimulating cold and nicotine receptors, researchers successfully improved metabolism in mice, helping them to lose weight. Further studies will investigate whether the same results can be achieved in humans.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 22, 2018·4 min readWishful Thinking is RewardA new study reports the reward system in our brains may affect our judgments.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·October 8, 2018·4 min readOut Like a Light”: Brain’s Sleep Switch IdentifiedResearchers have identified a set of neurons, located in a region of the hypothalamus, that may be the switch that turns the brain off, allowing for sleep. The neurons are also tied to body temperature regulation.Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·October 1, 2018·6 min readCancer Hijacks the Microbiome to Glut Itself on GlucoseResearchers report leukemia undercuts the normal ability of cells to consume glucose, leaving more glucose available to help feed the growth of cancer cells.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 20, 2018·3 min readA Peek Into the Interplay Between Sleep and WakefulnessResearchers have identified novel neural pathways that help regulate sleep and wakefulness.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 19, 2018·6 min readHow the Brain Reacts to Food May Be Linked to OvereatingA new study reports when certain brain areas react more strongly to food rewards than financial rewards, children are more likely to overeat, even if they are not hungry or overweight.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 13, 2018·3 min readNew Neurons Archive Old MemoriesResearchers report neurogenesis underlies the brain's capacity to create and store new memories. Exercise, researchers report, promotes neurogenesis and increases hippocampal capacity.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·July 10, 2018·2 min readResearchers Trigger Hot Flashes in Male and Female MiceBy inducing hot flashes, most commonly associated with menopause, in both male and female mice, researchers discover Kiss1 neurons initiate a fast boost in skin temperature followed by a drop in core body temperature.Read More
