Suppressing the activity of hypothalamic neurons in mice during REM sleep resulted in a decrease in the amount of food later consumed. The study suggests REM sleep is essential to stabilize food intake. Read More
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Mouse study reveals "on-off switch" nerve cells for male mating and aggression in the amygdala. MPN signaling cells in the amygdala that communicate with the hypothalamus are associated with reproductive behavior, and VMHvL signaling cells play a critical role in aggression. Read More
Normally bushy networks of neural fibers within fat tissue shrink in the absence of leptin, but grow back when the hormone is administered in drug form. The alterations influence the ability to burn energy stored in fat in mouse models. Read More
FGF21, a hormone created in the liver in response to increased levels of sugar, acts in the brain to suppress sugar intake and controls the preference for sweet-tasting foods. Read More
Researchers have identified a brain circuit that regulates all types of sighing but activates sighs for different reasons using input signals from different parts of the brain. Read More
Researchers have been able to spark a hibernation-like state in mice by artificially exciting Q neurons. Read More
Social preference in isolated zebrafish is caused by stress and anxiety, not observed anti-social patterns. Read More
Glial cells known as tanycytes deliver signals to neurons in the brain to activate appetite. Optogenetic stimulation of tanycytes increases appetite. Read More
Researchers have identified a hippocampal neural network that activates during stress. Activity in a hippocampal-hypothalamus network predicts greater feelings of stress, while connectivity between the hippocampus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex predicts less stress. Read More
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. Read More
Researchers genetically engineered neurons to produce a newly developed, light-sensitive protein called SOUL. They then used optogenetic technology to shine a light through the skull and alter neural responses through an entire mouse brain. Read More
The lateral hypothalamus is an integral component of social brain networks. It shapes socially motivated behaviors via functional coordination with neocortical regions. Read More
