Obesity is, in part, determined by epigenetic development in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Findings suggest developmental epigenetics plays a significant role in both environmental and genetic influences on obesity risk.
The neural circuitry that connects olfactory information about another mouse's sex to decision-making in the brain determines the behavioral outcome as to whether aggression or affection is expressed.
A neural pathway that leads directly from the thalamus to the hypothalamus plays a critical role in processing touch information, a new study reveals.
Study reports warm-blooded animals with higher body temperatures have lower amounts of REM sleep, while those with lower body temperatures have more REM sleep. Researchers say REM sleep acts like a "thermostatically controlled brain heater."
AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus play a critical role in shaping the structure and function of the prefrontal cortex in mice. The findings shed light on how the prefrontal cortex is altered in disorders such as schizophrenia.
Neurons that secrete oxytocin in the paraventricular nucleus in the hypothalamus are responsible for activating paternal instincts in new fathers, a mouse model study finds.
AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus control the release of endogenous lysophospholipids, helping to control the excitability of cerebral cortex neurons and stimulating the desire for food intake.
Findings reveal sparse chemical connectivity as a generalized feature of the hypothalamus circuitry.
Researchers used optogenetics techniques to stimulate specific brain areas to increase neurogenesis and the production of neural stem cells to improve memory, cognition, and emotional processing in animal models.
Hypothalamic neurons directly detect variations in bacterial activity and adapt appetite and body temperature accordingly. The findings demonstrate a direct dialog occurs between the brain and the gut microbiota.
Ingested non-essential amino acids curb appetite and promote movement in mouse models.
Microglia dysfunction in those who experienced early life adversity prompts an aberrant stress response during adulthood that may be linked to mental illness.
